tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:29:20 +0000http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_75u70NraxOY/S541imySLgI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/hFafkF0GWB8/s1600-h/DSC04055.JPGFramingham Country Club Groundshttp://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)Blogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6217059704998825339Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:39:00 +00002016-12-06T08:39:23.824-05:00Golf Course Closing UpdateThe first snowfall of the year has reminded us what it means to live in New England and we are now putting our winter prep plans into motion. &nbsp;These plans include the following:<br /><br />1. &nbsp;<u>Greens</u>: &nbsp;Final snow mold applications on greens and approaches, followed by topdressing and covering. &nbsp;Covers are being staged right now and I expect to begin putting covers on our shade greens (2,3,4,10,15,16) by Friday. &nbsp;Whatever greens aren't covered will be covered by Monday.<br /><br />2. &nbsp;<u>Tees</u>: &nbsp;Final snow mold application and a dormant fertilizer application. &nbsp;There are some tees (again those that are in the shade) that are covered along with the practice tee. &nbsp;We are removing the tee markers and are now playing off the temporary tees. <br /><br />3. &nbsp;<u>Fairways</u>: &nbsp;Final snow mold application and dormant fertilizer application. <br /><br />4. &nbsp;<u>Rough and Bunkers</u>: &nbsp;Our high traffic areas, rough renovation areas, and bunkers will be getting a dormant fertilizer application.<br /><br /><br />We are expecting another dusting late tonight and once that clears we will begin spraying greens and tees. &nbsp;There are still some leaves that need to be removed and I expect to continue that work once we have all the greens covered.http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2016/12/golf-course-closing-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6061089051721261702Thu, 05 May 2016 16:55:00 +00002016-05-05T12:55:53.510-04:00Course Update - Aerification Edition<div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a very busy spring so far at the club both with maintenance work and member play. &nbsp;By the end of the week we will have done over 3,000 rounds so far. &nbsp;By comparison last year at this time we did roughly 650 rounds. &nbsp;We just hosted the 2016 MGA Four Ball Championship and our outing schedule begins next week. &nbsp;If you look at the club's golf calendar there isn't any letup until the middle of October. &nbsp;That kind of traffic, along with all of the staff and equipment traffic, can cause issues late in the summer if we don't address thatch issues that build up over time on all of the playing surfaces. &nbsp;This is where aerification comes in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We regularly lightly topdress greens during the year to help dilute the thatch and smooth the putting surfaces. &nbsp;Unfortunately this does little to either help remove the thatch layer that has been growing or reach our goal of <a href="http://www.istrc.com/documents/istrcdisplacementchart.pdf">20% Surface Displacement</a>&nbsp;on the putting surfaces. &nbsp;We have tried numerous methods to remove thatch (aerification or pulling cores) and incorporate sand into the rootzone of the putting greens. &nbsp;We have used big holes (yes...the dreaded drill bits), small holes, sand injection and everything in between. &nbsp;For a number of years now we have been using a 3/8" quadtine aerification (removing cores) followed by the DryJect sand injection. &nbsp;We have noticed however that our percentage of organic matter has been growing and there is a layer forming at an 8" depth in the soil profile so we are changing it up a little this year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For this spring (May 10 and 11)we will be coring the greens using a 1/2" quad tine with the intention of removing as much organic matter as possible. &nbsp;This is what the surface will look like after the aerification and before we apply the sand topdressing. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Kz6GSgqC5A/VytKleaS_PI/AAAAAAAADyM/ji7QIprKeUYt4sCD_aHIaUg-RYemaDDDgCLcB/s1600/1%253A2%2522%2BCore%2BAerification.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Kz6GSgqC5A/VytKleaS_PI/AAAAAAAADyM/ji7QIprKeUYt4sCD_aHIaUg-RYemaDDDgCLcB/s400/1%253A2%2522%2BCore%2BAerification.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think you will agree that it isn't that bad. &nbsp;We fertilized the greens on Wednesday to help push recovery in time for the Memorial Day Member-Member. &nbsp;I will update my&nbsp;<a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;account with pictures next week as the work is completed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the fall we will perform the DryJect Maximus. &nbsp;This uses a combination of a Deep Tine application followed by the DryJect Maximus. &nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxGn21LGAhA/VythI_NxLFI/AAAAAAAADyc/o1V5xoT7Z7InOf6dQ5zZ64TlTlYXYqK0QCLcB/s1600/image3-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxGn21LGAhA/VythI_NxLFI/AAAAAAAADyc/o1V5xoT7Z7InOf6dQ5zZ64TlTlYXYqK0QCLcB/s400/image3-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep Tine&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4vbd0L0BC8/VythJNQF4II/AAAAAAAADyg/bDR5Yk7UF9Ab2sK63xRQ6QmElAvrJpXfgCKgB/s1600/image12-44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4vbd0L0BC8/VythJNQF4II/AAAAAAAADyg/bDR5Yk7UF9Ab2sK63xRQ6QmElAvrJpXfgCKgB/s400/image12-44.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular DryJect sand penetration.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TmWgQrsOAU/VythZIPTigI/AAAAAAAADyo/Icul-Nr7wj4JtNEO4NKip_PVWIQb4RaXQCLcB/s1600/B-u-XqVVIAA95fA.jpg-small.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8TmWgQrsOAU/VythZIPTigI/AAAAAAAADyo/Icul-Nr7wj4JtNEO4NKip_PVWIQb4RaXQCLcB/s400/B-u-XqVVIAA95fA.jpg-small.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DryJect Maximus sand penetration</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q34mtkWL8-I/VythJbh8hyI/AAAAAAAADyk/FfC6ggGxFWUFlhrwcMeB-oyMVzVf_2KuwCLcB/s1600/image17-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q34mtkWL8-I/VythJbh8hyI/AAAAAAAADyk/FfC6ggGxFWUFlhrwcMeB-oyMVzVf_2KuwCLcB/s400/image17-60.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting surface after Deep Tine and Maximus at tight spacing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see from the second image (regular DryJect sand penetration) a layer will form at 6-8" if this procedure is done over a number of years. &nbsp;We are now finding this layer appearing in our green's rootzone and it is creating a bathtub effect when we receive heavy rain. &nbsp;It will not be an issue for short duration rain events but when we have heavy rain, or rain that continues for days on end, the greens can't drain and will lead to anaerobic conditions for the roots. &nbsp;This is obviously less then ideal conditions when you are maintaining putting greens and breaking up this layer will allow the greens to drain more freely during the year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the week of aerification&nbsp;<a href="http://en.nmpgolf.com/">NMP Golf Construction</a>&nbsp;will be out at the club renovating the collars, approaches, and collection areas on holes 2 and 3. &nbsp;The work on hole 2 will be completed on May 10 and 11 and Hole 3 will be completed by May 13. &nbsp;While they are on the course the hole that they are working on will play to a temporary green. &nbsp;The work will be very similar to that which was done around the 10th green. &nbsp;The photos that follow show the scope of the work to be performed.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoRj4GRD2RY/VytkAI-rZGI/AAAAAAAADy4/qVZ1i4Qyc082GsW044XrmI_Zqf2JmdRJwCLcB/s1600/2%2BGreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SoRj4GRD2RY/VytkAI-rZGI/AAAAAAAADy4/qVZ1i4Qyc082GsW044XrmI_Zqf2JmdRJwCLcB/s400/2%2BGreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the black line (excluding putting surface) will be stripped, rootzone material installed, Irrigation installed, and sodded with a bentgrass grass blend.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojo2xVIhvP4/VytkAKCOawI/AAAAAAAADy8/T6I2uQSBbIAFyRWl07lsKbfBW_-r6ydxwCLcB/s1600/3%2Bgreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojo2xVIhvP4/VytkAKCOawI/AAAAAAAADy8/T6I2uQSBbIAFyRWl07lsKbfBW_-r6ydxwCLcB/s400/3%2Bgreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the black line (excluding putting surace) will be stripped, rootzone material installed, Irrigation installed, and sodded with a bentgrass blend.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The key to success with these projects is to do your best to stay off the new sod while it is growing in. &nbsp;Now I know that you will need to walk across the sod to get to the green but like last year, we ask that you use the ball retrievers that the club provides to take your ball off the sod. &nbsp;Our goal is to have it knit in and playable by the Memorial Day Member-Member so anything you can do to help us achieve that goal will be greatly appreciated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The course is coming along nicely. &nbsp;It was unfortunate that we received rain during the tournament but the course both played and showed well for the MGA Four Ball. &nbsp;We used both those days to cleanup and prep the pool area and clubhouse surrounds for Memorial Day weekend. &nbsp;We have used the last two days to cut rough, do some irrigation repair work, and clean/mulch landscape beds around the parking lot and on the course. &nbsp;There is still a lot of work to be completed but I like the direction we are moving in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2016/05/course-update-aerification-edition.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6774679460044706379Wed, 09 Dec 2015 19:23:00 +00002015-12-09T14:23:23.007-05:00Golf Course Update - December 9<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been some time since I updated the Maintenance Blog. &nbsp;I have been using&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">my Twitter account</a>&nbsp;almost daily to update what has been happening on the course. &nbsp;If you are looking for regular course updates I would recommend that you save this <a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">link</a>&nbsp;for future use.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fall cleanup and preparations for winter are almost complete. &nbsp;This weather has been fantastic for winter prep as well as golf and I can honestly say that we have never been this ready to see the snow fly since I have been at the club. &nbsp;All of the playing surfaces have been sprayed, the greens, tees, and bunker surrounds have been dormant fertilized and all that remains is a final topdressing on greens and the dormant feed for fairways. &nbsp;We are still awaiting firmer ground conditions to begin the scheduled tree work for 2015.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are currently in a holding pattern for closing and covering greens for the winter. &nbsp;It is looking like we are moving into another warm trend the next few days into the weekend and while this weather has been great for golf the greens are starting to show some wear. &nbsp;It is warm but the greens are not actively growing right now and all the ball marks, member traffic, and foot drags have no ability to recover. &nbsp;We are now starting to see some freezing of the surfaces and it is taking longer for the greens to thaw out each day. &nbsp;The shade greens are taking the brunt of the abuse and some thinning has occurred on the putting surfaces. &nbsp;Below is a photo of the second green.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9yEsAe_yws/Vmh81GkfIrI/AAAAAAAADxQ/O_xNALjlpuk/s1600/CVonjH8VAAADFfh.jpg-small.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9yEsAe_yws/Vmh81GkfIrI/AAAAAAAADxQ/O_xNALjlpuk/s400/CVonjH8VAAADFfh.jpg-small.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinning of the putting surface on the second green.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">On holes 2, 3, and 16 the thinning has reached a point where we have closed those greens and are playing temporary greens right now. &nbsp;We are keeping a close eye on the remaining shade greens ( holes 4, 10, 15 ) and if needed we will temp those as well. &nbsp;Remember that any damage that we suffer now, both on the surface and to the roots, will still be visible in the spring until the grass begins to grow. &nbsp;If you are planning to take advantage of the warm weather and play this weekend we could have up to 6 temporary greens. &nbsp;I will update you on Friday where we stand with the greens and we will reevaluate on Monday, after reviewing the long range forecast and walking the remaining open greens, regarding our plans for the upcoming week. &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Along with leaf cleanup (about 2-3 days left until completed) and in-house fairway aerification here are some photos of projects that we have been working on the last month.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOlHQlfsyYs/Vmh2-aFR4gI/AAAAAAAADvY/Lo_e9mRBZRk/s1600/CUBCVLlXAAQfe5g.jpg-small.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOlHQlfsyYs/Vmh2-aFR4gI/AAAAAAAADvY/Lo_e9mRBZRk/s400/CUBCVLlXAAQfe5g.jpg-small.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 cart path during renovation</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9uHVePJZdY/Vmh3Lo_HUUI/AAAAAAAADvk/CIQsLEi08nU/s1600/IMG_9466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9uHVePJZdY/Vmh3Lo_HUUI/AAAAAAAADvk/CIQsLEi08nU/s400/IMG_9466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">18 cart path after renovation. &nbsp;Edges have been dressed and seeded.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vjnA2UI28k/Vmh3809bLqI/AAAAAAAADv8/N_hxqe2xdKQ/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vjnA2UI28k/Vmh3809bLqI/AAAAAAAADv8/N_hxqe2xdKQ/s400/IMG_9473.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plugs planted to create natural area on hole 4 between cart path and primary rough.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIHL1n50JXU/Vmh3uvscy4I/AAAAAAAADvw/9JWY9o5MTLQ/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIHL1n50JXU/Vmh3uvscy4I/AAAAAAAADvw/9JWY9o5MTLQ/s400/IMG_9474.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantings on 4 also helped define the walking path.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fA3mAFcvc/Vmh4ka77XSI/AAAAAAAADwI/Iutg6IWkE_M/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fA3mAFcvc/Vmh4ka77XSI/AAAAAAAADwI/Iutg6IWkE_M/s400/IMG_9472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plugs added to brush clearing between 8 and 9 tees.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUaSKqtWZUU/Vmh4_SarEcI/AAAAAAAADwU/NvDDIBjnkAc/s1600/IMG_9471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUaSKqtWZUU/Vmh4_SarEcI/AAAAAAAADwU/NvDDIBjnkAc/s400/IMG_9471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the planting.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06WMJ131CFs/Vmh5M7liKCI/AAAAAAAADwg/viUQtXkl0Mo/s1600/IMG_9470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06WMJ131CFs/Vmh5M7liKCI/AAAAAAAADwg/viUQtXkl0Mo/s400/IMG_9470.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More plugs and seed were added to the old pine hill on the 1st hole.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSxC1qCoRzM/Vmh5fZ57RLI/AAAAAAAADws/cKMslJuZ-Mg/s1600/IMG_9467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSxC1qCoRzM/Vmh5fZ57RLI/AAAAAAAADws/cKMslJuZ-Mg/s400/IMG_9467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brush between 11 and 18 was removed. &nbsp;Leaves need to be removed once the area dries out.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWqv2Rg8fQ0/Vmh6G2si4LI/AAAAAAAADw4/_MGvIIxjNiQ/s1600/IMG_9468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWqv2Rg8fQ0/Vmh6G2si4LI/AAAAAAAADw4/_MGvIIxjNiQ/s400/IMG_9468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaves to the left of 18 are being removed this week.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0s0Qm2PTJBs/Vmh6hLHFYJI/AAAAAAAADxE/X0FSCoiEtVQ/s1600/IMG_9469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0s0Qm2PTJBs/Vmh6hLHFYJI/AAAAAAAADxE/X0FSCoiEtVQ/s400/IMG_9469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are now clearing the underbrush between holes 12/15/16. &nbsp;This will take some time to finish but is being tackled during frost delays.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/12/golf-course-update-december-9.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-167442469051135097Thu, 24 Sep 2015 18:30:00 +00002015-09-24T14:30:01.379-04:00Goats and Your Golf Course<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LdtF-vVsuk/VgQ-4AlF1eI/AAAAAAAADu8/cVfvoBmOZGM/s1600/working1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LdtF-vVsuk/VgQ-4AlF1eI/AAAAAAAADu8/cVfvoBmOZGM/s640/working1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a very busy year at the club. &nbsp;On the Grounds side it's been especially busy because we had/have positions available on staff that we weren't able to fill this year. &nbsp;When that happens we look at our priorities...and those areas that will need to wait until late fall or when we have frost delays. &nbsp;One such area is the space between the 8th and 9th tees where the rock outcropping that we've brush cut over the years has become overgrown. &nbsp;This is where the goats come in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently read an article about using goats at Cohasset in areas very similar to that found at FCC. &nbsp;They have also been used at Black Rock, Boston Golf Club and a whole host of parks departments around the Boston area. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.gogreengoat.com/index.php">Goatscaping Company</a>&nbsp;provides the animals and they start at the club tomorrow. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The company will bring 4 goats and they will be surrounded by electric net fencing. &nbsp;The company will move the fence every week and we are trying them out for 3 weeks. &nbsp;The vegetation at the conclusion of their "work" will be no more then 4" high, with the exception of woody stems, and vegetation that is 5-6 feet high will also be left as the goats are unable to reach that high. &nbsp;Depending on the location they can clear between 1/3 to 1/2 acre per week. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please do not feed the goats</span></u></b>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will keep you updated on my&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;account as to their progress over the coming weeks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/09/goats-and-your-golf-course.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-2835619065917454220Wed, 23 Sep 2015 12:23:00 +00002015-09-23T08:23:54.153-04:0010 Green Renovation Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwoCtskZcTQ/VgKT5D8f5FI/AAAAAAAADuE/qOIFbWE7_lM/s1600/CPhL5fTUkAAdBo0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwoCtskZcTQ/VgKT5D8f5FI/AAAAAAAADuE/qOIFbWE7_lM/s640/CPhL5fTUkAAdBo0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The club decided to renovate the collars and surrounds on the 10th green to address the ryegrass playability issue on the collar and approach. &nbsp;This is our test run where we can develop and fine tune our maintenance of the new sod with the hope of doing more in the future. &nbsp;As you will see we opened up the surrounds to the edge of the fill pad with the intention of expanding the green after one growing season. &nbsp;As a result new irrigation was installed so that all irrigation lines and wiring are outside the green. &nbsp;<a href="http://en.nmpgolf.com/">NMP Golf Construction</a>&nbsp;was brought in to perform the work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcn7RNouCI/VgKT2cJUS6I/AAAAAAAADs8/3vyg5TizsGs/s1600/CPbG_l9W8AAPzNm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TFcn7RNouCI/VgKT2cJUS6I/AAAAAAAADs8/3vyg5TizsGs/s400/CPbG_l9W8AAPzNm.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The collar and surrounds were first stripped using a sod cutter.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig72uFN0zaM/VgKT2YGr_WI/AAAAAAAADtA/vE33Az0i-y0/s1600/CPbG_l9WwAELhw1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig72uFN0zaM/VgKT2YGr_WI/AAAAAAAADtA/vE33Az0i-y0/s400/CPbG_l9WwAELhw1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irrigation was laid out and old heads and swing joints were reused.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7t2B-BGqWi8/VgKT2OudwgI/AAAAAAAADs4/JEQhonJj4DQ/s1600/CPbG_mAWEAAMAcQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7t2B-BGqWi8/VgKT2OudwgI/AAAAAAAADs4/JEQhonJj4DQ/s400/CPbG_mAWEAAMAcQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approximately 20 feet of approach was removed as well.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET4b44CkUXk/VgKT2jCclqI/AAAAAAAADtE/XT6B4ru5CWw/s1600/CPbmSUSWsAAsNa5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET4b44CkUXk/VgKT2jCclqI/AAAAAAAADtE/XT6B4ru5CWw/s400/CPbmSUSWsAAsNa5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the sod was stripped the subgrade was rototilled to remove thatch and rocks.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clmj4Jv8czU/VgKT232j8XI/AAAAAAAADtM/McpJMl4fZag/s1600/CPbmSUTWwAA3Rlj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clmj4Jv8czU/VgKT232j8XI/AAAAAAAADtM/McpJMl4fZag/s400/CPbmSUTWwAA3Rlj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irrigation pipe was pulled around the green and rocks removed.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_gS9qbI1v8/VgKT3ChWe4I/AAAAAAAADtQ/dPxBYZHY8To/s1600/CPbmSUYWcAA7K2z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_gS9qbI1v8/VgKT3ChWe4I/AAAAAAAADtQ/dPxBYZHY8To/s400/CPbmSUYWcAA7K2z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rough was removed in the back of the green to the edge of the fill pad.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzbfYHSUL8c/VgKT2-CDZxI/AAAAAAAADtI/2e1iuErb64I/s1600/CPbmSUYWEAA2s38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzbfYHSUL8c/VgKT2-CDZxI/AAAAAAAADtI/2e1iuErb64I/s400/CPbmSUYWEAA2s38.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7mv_jvjo10/VgKT3hOfoUI/AAAAAAAADtY/8kN7wZE5xNQ/s1600/CPckjyxUcAAQ2Ri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7mv_jvjo10/VgKT3hOfoUI/AAAAAAAADtY/8kN7wZE5xNQ/s400/CPckjyxUcAAQ2Ri.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the subgrade was complete 2-3" of root zone mix was installed and compacted.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAt_bbiN9hM/VgKT3WAiyoI/AAAAAAAADuY/a8C-GwTUqc8/s1600/CPckjyvU8AAn0Uh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAt_bbiN9hM/VgKT3WAiyoI/AAAAAAAADuY/a8C-GwTUqc8/s400/CPckjyvU8AAn0Uh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rootzone mix was then raked out by hand.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skRGUho4zH0/VgKT3gv8jOI/AAAAAAAADtc/6c275nHSKQc/s1600/CPdMWlrUcAEI641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-skRGUho4zH0/VgKT3gv8jOI/AAAAAAAADtc/6c275nHSKQc/s400/CPdMWlrUcAEI641.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of day 1 we were ready for sod.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqF1OYulr6Y/VgKT4ML1a6I/AAAAAAAADtk/bPu0RCryRL8/s1600/CPgNV6dVAAAQFob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hqF1OYulr6Y/VgKT4ML1a6I/AAAAAAAADtk/bPu0RCryRL8/s400/CPgNV6dVAAAQFob.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bentgrass blend was used in the sod so that the "new" green areas will blend in over time.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDupHlemt8U/VgKT4Ek1hFI/AAAAAAAADto/QRURiLIXevI/s1600/CPgn9m9WIAAB48s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDupHlemt8U/VgKT4Ek1hFI/AAAAAAAADto/QRURiLIXevI/s400/CPgn9m9WIAAB48s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMWbI6vu5s4/VgKT4oG_YTI/AAAAAAAADts/m9EwEdaf5io/s1600/CPhEJuhWgAAHb5P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMWbI6vu5s4/VgKT4oG_YTI/AAAAAAAADts/m9EwEdaf5io/s400/CPhEJuhWgAAHb5P.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the sodding was finished all the the renovated areas were plate compacted.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj1U8C0PuNU/VgKT5t6EnzI/AAAAAAAADt0/ZkroikVMvvs/s1600/CPhL5fWUwAAy1-B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj1U8C0PuNU/VgKT5t6EnzI/AAAAAAAADt0/ZkroikVMvvs/s640/CPhL5fWUwAAy1-B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product</td></tr></tbody></table>It is <u style="font-weight: bold;">VERY</u>&nbsp;important that we let the new sod knit in prior to playing off of it. &nbsp;As you will see there are many sloped areas that have been sodded and they will footprint if you walk on them. &nbsp;The sod is considered GUR so please use the ball retrievers that have been provided to remove your ball from the sod. &nbsp;Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/09/10-green-renovation-work.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-8715959642882809174Tue, 15 Sep 2015 18:30:00 +00002015-09-15T14:30:24.764-04:00Course Update - September 15<div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to give everyone a quick update on the events that will take place the next weeks. &nbsp;It's been a long season and the course is ready for aerification. &nbsp;The approaches will be aerified on Monday and we will follow with green's aerification on Tuesday. &nbsp;The DryJect will be in on Tuesday afternoon and we will complete all the greens by Wednesday. &nbsp;This is the same schedule and procedure that we have done the last few years with 3/8" hollow cores (Plugs) on a quad-tine setup. &nbsp;The following picture is what the greens will look like once the procedure is finished.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJCggcom8Js/VfhZaa-SqKI/AAAAAAAADrw/ElZ_x9i5iEY/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJCggcom8Js/VfhZaa-SqKI/AAAAAAAADrw/ElZ_x9i5iEY/s320/IMG_1064.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>3/8" core Quad-tine setup</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgl24JHt8dk/VfhZay3BT-I/AAAAAAAADr8/VYoVfsQEM2M/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fgl24JHt8dk/VfhZay3BT-I/AAAAAAAADr8/VYoVfsQEM2M/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dry-Ject sand injection</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_cGbKFdtmc/VfhZa8lpgmI/AAAAAAAADr0/rkxmTFyHBZ8/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_cGbKFdtmc/VfhZa8lpgmI/AAAAAAAADr0/rkxmTFyHBZ8/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Green after it has been brushed</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>****<u>Please Note:</u> &nbsp;The 10th green will be aerified and will have sand injected by the Dry-Ject tomorrow. &nbsp;This will be the only green that is worked on prior to the aerification next week. &nbsp;This is needs to be done because of the construction that is taking place around the 10th green starting September 21 (more on that later). &nbsp;The green will play as a temp early in the morning but should be back in play by 10 a.m.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are planning on aerifying the tees in the next few weeks. &nbsp;Once we finish the tees we will be aerifying the fairways in-house with our walk behind aerifiers. &nbsp;This has become necessary because we have not aerified fairways in a few years and we have seen an increase in localized dry spots and a decrease in insecticide effectiveness due to the increased thatch layer. &nbsp;We will pick away at the fairways over the fall and hope to have all completed by the end of the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The collar and surrounds around the 10th green are being stripped starting September 21 and is scheduled to be completed on September 23. &nbsp;As many of you have read in our previous posts the ryegrass that has contaminated the collars has become unsightly and difficult to play off of. &nbsp;We tried our roundup experiment but the grass did not come in quick enough. &nbsp;Here is a photo of the area of disruption.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3CqLwdUKjc/VfhdzxY7sKI/AAAAAAAADsM/ViYsME8emaU/s1600/10%2BGreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a3CqLwdUKjc/VfhdzxY7sKI/AAAAAAAADsM/ViYsME8emaU/s400/10%2BGreen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see we are stripping out in front of the green approximately 20 feet to remove some unwanted ryegrass. &nbsp;The collar will be removed as well and we are taking this opportunity to expand to the low cut areas to the edge of the fill pad (slopes surrounding the green). &nbsp;Once stripped a root zone mix will be rototilled into the existing topsoil, rocks will be removed and a new green's irrigation loop will be installed outside the proposed work area. &nbsp;Contours will be smoothed out prior to installing bentgrass sod. &nbsp;Long-term the goal is to let the sod knit in and establish over next season prior to expanding the green so that the collar has a consistent 42" width. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The sodded area should be considered ground under repair until you are notified that it has fully healed in. &nbsp;This sod will require a lot of TLC including multiple topdressing, core aerification, and handwatering. &nbsp;We ask that you use caution when walking across the sod and have patience with us as we push to open the area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally we have added an extra day during the week to the mats at the practice area. &nbsp;We have been very busy this year and the practice tee grass surface has gotten pretty chewed up. &nbsp;Even though we continue to fill divots after each use the grass has not had enough time to recover in time before the next rotation through the hitting bays. &nbsp;I am hopeful with cooler weather and an extra days rest that the tee will be back in good shape by later in the fall. &nbsp;Please remember that there is one way you can help us keep the tee in good shape and allow your fellow members plenty of area to practice from. &nbsp;The FCC preferred divot pattern was implemented a few years ago and using it will help us out. &nbsp;You can see it again below.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDAqzD7f_N8/VfhjHt84maI/AAAAAAAADsc/fa4I7WYg2bg/s1600/FCC%2BPreferred%2BDivot%2BPattern12X18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDAqzD7f_N8/VfhjHt84maI/AAAAAAAADsc/fa4I7WYg2bg/s400/FCC%2BPreferred%2BDivot%2BPattern12X18.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That is it for now. &nbsp;I hope to post plenty of photos of the work on 10 along with the green's aerification on my&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;account. &nbsp;The weather looks great the next few days so hopefully we will see you on the course.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pat</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/09/course-update-september-15.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-196632638824456920Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:10:00 +00002015-06-19T11:10:57.883-04:00Course Update - June 19<div style="text-align: justify;">This isn't going to a long update. &nbsp;We are real busy completing our prep for the weekend and trying to tie up some loose ends before the end of the day. &nbsp;I wanted to highlight some work that was started this week so that you have a understanding of what we are working on and our plans for the coming weeks. &nbsp;Please remember that I am always available to discuss the day-to-day operations and keep an eye on my&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;account for daily updates on the course.<span id="goog_491070184"></span><span id="goog_491070185"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y13M0H8yevU/VYQeZcQhJcI/AAAAAAAADpk/YTQj2y5-2LI/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y13M0H8yevU/VYQeZcQhJcI/AAAAAAAADpk/YTQj2y5-2LI/s400/IMG_1223.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first area that we have been working on are the natural areas around the course. &nbsp;They look great from a distance but once you are in them it can be difficult to find your ball and when you do most times the ball is nestled down in 4-5" deep rough. &nbsp;This lie is very difficult to advance and get back into play. &nbsp;To improve playability we are continuing again with our herbicide applications to control weeds and reduce the grass populations. &nbsp;We have also readjusted the sprinkler heads again to make sure these areas do not receive any irrigation. &nbsp;something new we are trying this year is mechanical thinning of the natural areas. &nbsp;We brought a contractor in yesterday to try this process using a machine that was developed overseas where fescue is maintained to be thin and wispy. &nbsp;Here is a video of the process.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxS964b6oq24xf2_TBORS4lmiuNVHIIubAgpMvj39z96Fl1ZA2G9-8FePbm_OInV7SvGpGl1NlyS2ViShHfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can imagine I was a little shocked at how aggressive the process was. &nbsp;Once I got over the shock I was very impressed at the finished product. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ3dHl9pp7w/VYQfWPIofOI/AAAAAAAADqY/QIau6qTYzjQ/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ3dHl9pp7w/VYQfWPIofOI/AAAAAAAADqY/QIau6qTYzjQ/s400/IMG_1232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Low spot where thinning was less aggressive.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyDOKAXspOc/VYQfVW74nMI/AAAAAAAADqQ/7AXKfVe6Bk0/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WyDOKAXspOc/VYQfVW74nMI/AAAAAAAADqQ/7AXKfVe6Bk0/s400/IMG_1231.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Final product after thinning. &nbsp;Notice individual grass plants have replaced the thicker "carpet" of grass. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The area between hole 1 and 9 was completed yesterday and dragged in this morning. &nbsp;We will give it some water today to rehydrate the individual grass plants ( the process is very stressful to the grass and water will help it bounce back quicker ) and we will allow it to grow back in. &nbsp;We also found numerous holes in this area from when we transplanted plugs to other areas around the course and my guys are out filling them in with sand. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQLFj3C6EGM/VYQfYhtrrhI/AAAAAAAADqk/CDR6qVOqzxQ/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQLFj3C6EGM/VYQfYhtrrhI/AAAAAAAADqk/CDR6qVOqzxQ/s400/IMG_1234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Aptali is filling in holes with sand</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm excited to see how the grass grows back in and see if we can use the mechanical thinning process in conjunction with our regular herbicide applications. &nbsp;I am looking forward to getting feedback from the membership regarding your ability to find you ball and advance it back into play.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also started the surrounds renovation project on the 5th green. &nbsp;This area has been an eyesore since I came to the club and shade from the trees surround the 5th green and between holes 3 and 6 limited our ability to seed the area and get a quality stand of rough. &nbsp;We have taken down a number of trees the last few years and we now should have enough sunlight to instal sod.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLfYcm8QiAY/VYQe62RQQII/AAAAAAAADp0/Kjmf5NkapCc/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLfYcm8QiAY/VYQe62RQQII/AAAAAAAADp0/Kjmf5NkapCc/s400/IMG_1206.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rick and the guys cutting tree roots and removing rocks.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSXcY0TT09U/VYQe2RwsXkI/AAAAAAAADps/hDtherhWy1o/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSXcY0TT09U/VYQe2RwsXkI/AAAAAAAADps/hDtherhWy1o/s400/IMG_1208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking back from the 6th tee.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhPpBpd1ayo/VYQfCaTfy0I/AAAAAAAADp8/HpFVqLoDiNs/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhPpBpd1ayo/VYQfCaTfy0I/AAAAAAAADp8/HpFVqLoDiNs/s400/IMG_1210.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>the "trench" at the base of the hill.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PNCQnhvOv4/VYQfKDP6N9I/AAAAAAAADqE/maERcXmQHfw/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PNCQnhvOv4/VYQfKDP6N9I/AAAAAAAADqE/maERcXmQHfw/s400/IMG_1212.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking down from the hill to the left of 5.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tpsAMNUSA1E/VYQvaRb6ttI/AAAAAAAADq0/SAiTbm2zDMM/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tpsAMNUSA1E/VYQvaRb6ttI/AAAAAAAADq0/SAiTbm2zDMM/s400/IMG_1236.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>After stripping sod and removing rocks and roots.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nV3UIVuiJlQ/VYQvfFbNYaI/AAAAAAAADrA/7rEfX-KIy8I/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nV3UIVuiJlQ/VYQvfFbNYaI/AAAAAAAADrA/7rEfX-KIy8I/s400/IMG_1238.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A walkway was left for you to go from the green to your golf cart.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NQn6bElTzk/VYQvfBumZPI/AAAAAAAADrE/1S3NlPTlYdM/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NQn6bElTzk/VYQvfBumZPI/AAAAAAAADrE/1S3NlPTlYdM/s400/IMG_1240.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Topsoil was added to fill in the trench.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMcZb0yXGJM/VYQviPBVecI/AAAAAAAADrM/zIvnrYdnOQs/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMcZb0yXGJM/VYQviPBVecI/AAAAAAAADrM/zIvnrYdnOQs/s400/IMG_1242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Stripped and ready for topsoil</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We are finishing the sub grade today and are compacting before adding topsoil early next week. &nbsp;I'm a little concerned about the forecast for Father's Day and don't want the rain to wash out the entire area before we can sod. &nbsp;I'm hopeful that the work will be complete by next weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">That's it for now. &nbsp;I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/06/course-update-june-19.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-5302120260187905548Fri, 05 Jun 2015 09:49:00 +00002015-06-05T05:49:15.198-04:00Golf Course Update - June 5<div style="text-align: justify;">I've been finding myself spending less and less time in the office and more time on the course these days. &nbsp;This has allowed me more time to work with the club's staff and speaking with members but has limited my time in front of the computer. &nbsp;Hopefully what follows will give you a good amount of info about what we are seeing on the course and our plans for the next few months.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The greens are performing well right now. &nbsp;We still aren't at our target height of cut for the season but we are getting close and speeds/surface smoothness seem to be heading in the right direction. &nbsp;The greens are being cut daily and rolled at least 4 times each week. &nbsp;Rooting is great and we are doing our best to keep them dry and firm. &nbsp;We have started using a different type of wetting agent (allows the water to penetrate deeper into the soil) so that we can keep the surfaces firm. &nbsp;That, in conjunction with our regular brushing/topdressing of the putting surfaces, will be helpful in achieving our long term goal of regular tournament speeds.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJV-akUusjc/VXFu9DVgRII/AAAAAAAADo0/IBgMXOXI4Aw/s1600/IMG_8958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJV-akUusjc/VXFu9DVgRII/AAAAAAAADo0/IBgMXOXI4Aw/s400/IMG_8958.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>#2 Rye eradication experiment</b></td></tr></tbody></table>Our experiment on 2 collar is proceeding a little slower then we hoped. &nbsp;We have now started to plug out low areas (those spots that effect ball roll when putting from the collar) and are keeping an eye on the seed that has germinated and now spreading to fill the voids. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqfVwvDAlf0/VXFvRVh9IHI/AAAAAAAADo8/OeP33das6V8/s1600/IMG_8957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqfVwvDAlf0/VXFvRVh9IHI/AAAAAAAADo8/OeP33das6V8/s400/IMG_8957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Two grass plants spreading to fill the void created by spraying Roundup on the ryegrass.</b></td></tr></tbody></table>As discussed when we first started this experiment, our goal is to find an alternative to sodding all the collars. &nbsp;Sodding wasn't considered as an alternative due to the heavy amount of traffic that the collars see (greens mowers, collar mowers, rollers, golfer foot traffic) and the ability of the sod to thrive in this very difficult growing environment. &nbsp;It would be very easy to sod and give all our players some instant gratification but long term the sod would struggle to root and withstand the traffic. &nbsp;Like our work on the greens we will continue tweaking the program until we can find the happy medium between what the grass needs to survive and what the members want to play from. &nbsp;Certainly not an easy task but one I think we can achieve. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fairways and approaches really enjoyed the rain this week. &nbsp;Our rock spots and drain lines are beginning to rebound and I give credit to my staff for the time they spent handwatering and applying wetting agents to these areas. &nbsp;The damaged fairway spots have been aerified and seeded up to the 15th hole and I hope we will be completing the rest in the very near future. &nbsp;I am planning on a more aggressive grooming on fairways in the coming weeks along with having my guys out filling divots. &nbsp;This early season heat has been great for golf but the increased play has caused an increase ofthe fairway divots at the same time. &nbsp;For those of you filling and replacing your divots keep up the good work!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tees and practice tees are doing well right now. &nbsp;The new tees on 15 and 5 ladies have been well received and the sod that was moved to the 16th tee is doing well. &nbsp;The practice tee rotation with the mats has allowed us to keep up with the divots and we will starting our second rotation thru the grass practice tee this weekend. &nbsp;Please remember the preferred divot pattern for when you are practicing. &nbsp;The thin strips work and allow us (and your fellow members) a better opportunity to a quality playing surface.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I haven't had the chance lately to tell you how much I love the new bunkers so let me take this opportunity to tell you it now. &nbsp;In years past anything over 0.5" of rain would have caused a huge amount of hours to be spent cleaning out debris, pushing and raking sand. &nbsp;This past storm dumped 3.25" of rain over three days and there was one (that's right only one!!!) small washout. &nbsp;There was no standing water in the bunkers and rain allowed the bunkers that were beginning to soften to firm up. &nbsp;We are trying to keep them firm and are now only raking the sand wall-to-wall once each week. &nbsp;The other days we rake we only smooth out the new footprints. &nbsp;We continue to tweak the mowing schedule for the bunkers and are now cutting the entire sod surrounding the bunkers every other week. &nbsp;It is working for now and reduces the opportunity for the sand to become contaminated. &nbsp;The sod surrounds will be sprayed and fertilized in a few weeks and thereafter only when needed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rough is thick and full. &nbsp;The natural areas will be mechanically thinned on June 18th and sprayed for weeds. &nbsp;Again our goal is to create a good balance between getting the wavy grass look and being able to find your golf ball. &nbsp;The key to this program is for you to keep carts out of these areas so please feel free to remind your fellow members and guests that the natural areas are a cart free zone. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGSul8ByzJE/VXFvzzcNqPI/AAAAAAAADpE/muGQKALBVQ0/s1600/IMG_8956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGSul8ByzJE/VXFvzzcNqPI/AAAAAAAADpE/muGQKALBVQ0/s400/IMG_8956.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rough renovation area to the right of 2</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGIL3_Vk-vE/VXFwM-RYxgI/AAAAAAAADpM/OpCNE-GJZM4/s1600/CGqD0D9VAAILAGp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGIL3_Vk-vE/VXFwM-RYxgI/AAAAAAAADpM/OpCNE-GJZM4/s400/CGqD0D9VAAILAGp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The seeded area inside the white lines should be considered Ground Under Repair</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The renovation areas have been reseeded and ground under repair inside the white lines. &nbsp;We are roping these areas off so that carts don't stray onto the newly emerging seedlings. &nbsp;I hope to have the rough areas on 2, 7, and 12 full like the left of 5 by the end of the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Greens Committee is reviewing options for the rough surrounds on the 5th green and I expect to have a game plan in place and work to begin in the very near future. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please remember to follow me on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for daily updates on the course and feel free to grab me when you have any questions regarding the course. &nbsp;It's shaping up to be a great season at the club and I hope you've had a chance to enjoy the course.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pat</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/06/golf-course-update-june-5.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-8614224884765941164Fri, 08 May 2015 17:12:00 +00002015-05-08T13:12:56.866-04:00Golf Course Update - May 8Just one month ago the snow had just melted and we were finally on the course trying to get ready for cover removal. &nbsp;It has been a busy month and we have just finished one of our busiest weeks. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Greens aerification went surprisingly well. &nbsp;It started on Monday with the 3/8" quad tine core (plug) aerification. &nbsp;It was very hot and dry Monday and the greens dried down quickly once exposed after aerification. &nbsp;The staff removed all the plugs, we applied two rootzone amendments and followed with water. &nbsp;Tuesday started cloudy and we tried to aerify tees on the back nine. &nbsp;Unfortunately it rained after 5 tees and we stopped and picked all the plugs up by hand. &nbsp;The sun them came out and we were able to DryJect 6 greens that afternoon. &nbsp;We finished the DryJect on Wednesday, Seeded and brushed the excess sand into the core holes, rolled the greens and applied water again. &nbsp;Thursday we started by rolling the greens and then cut all the greens. &nbsp;Today is a rest day for the greens and Pete is in the process of grinding all the greens mower reels to get them ready for the weekend. &nbsp;I fully expect the greens to be healed in by next weekend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is very dry out there and we continue to work on the irrigation system repairing broken pipe and sprinkler heads due to the frost heaves this past winter. &nbsp;It has been a long process but we are making progress. &nbsp;You will notice some tees and fairway spots beginning to get dry and for the most part if it isn't one of our rock spots or drain lines but is due to the irrigation difficulties. &nbsp;Be rest assured that we are doing our best to stay on top of it and are handwatering and using wetting agents to supplement where irrigation isn't functioning to get these spots to rewet. &nbsp;Cooler weather is forecasted next week and I expect all these areas to bounce back soon thereafter. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our goals for the coming week are to finish tee aerification, begin solid tine aerification and overseeding on the fairway damaged areas on the course, continue course cleanup including raking out and reseeding the rough renovation areas, and grooming the course as we look to the Memorial Day Member-Member. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I appreciate the members support of our maintenance efforts when the club was closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. &nbsp;I know it must have been difficult not being on the course during that good stretch of weather. &nbsp;Hopefully you had had the chance to get to the club the last two days. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally I would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. &nbsp;I know that I wouldn't be able to do what I do at work without the support of my wife at home with my family.</div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/05/golf-course-update-may-8.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-7798802917933388663Fri, 17 Apr 2015 13:04:00 +00002015-04-17T09:04:30.880-04:00Course Update - April 17<div style="text-align: justify;">Thought I would give you a brief update on the course. &nbsp;We are opening today at noon before the official opening tomorrow morning. &nbsp;It's been a very busy couple of weeks ( I can't believe that we were snowblowing greens two weeks ago ) but my guys have been killing it the last 14 days. &nbsp;I couldn't do this by myself and I want to thanks my staff for all their hard work.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are out this morning setting up the course and cutting tees and will follow with a cut/roll on greens. &nbsp;We are still charging the irrigation system and unfortunately we are finding a lot of leaks which will need to be addressed in the coming weeks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is a breakdown on the playing surfaces:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Greens:</u> &nbsp;The greens look good. &nbsp;We had some disease coming out of the winter and that was addressed with our first chemical application on Wednesday. &nbsp;After today they have been cut three times and we are now in the process of lowering mowing heights with the greens mowers that we use during the season. &nbsp;They have been rolled twice so far but I expect that they will be a little bumpy and slow over the weekend. &nbsp;We are giving them a break this weekend and will let them grow some before we spray our Annual Bluegrass seedhead control next week (for the chemical to work properly we need more leaf tissue for the application to be taken in by the plant).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rye eradication test on 2 collar worked (the ryegrass is dead after the fall application of Roundup) and we are awaiting the emergence of the seed that was sown last fall. &nbsp;We will probably seed these areas again and as I discussed in earlier posts this is a test program and as with every test we find ways to tweak it to make it more successful. &nbsp;The rye in our collars has been an issue for many golfers and in the end our goal is to have a consistent low-cut playing surface surround the greens. &nbsp;Thanks in advance for your patience with this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Tees:</u> &nbsp;The tees also look good for this early in the season. &nbsp;We are keeping the new tees on 5 Ladies and 15 Mens closed for this weekend and the grass practice tee is closed for this weekend. &nbsp;There is no timeline for opening either the new tees or the grass practice tee. &nbsp;All the tees will also be sprayed next week with our Annual Bluegrass seedhead control product.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Fairways:</u> &nbsp;I'm a little concerned that we might have some fairway damage on the low pockets around the course. &nbsp;It's still too early to tell and I'm hopeful that they begin to bounce back over the weekend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Rough:</u>&nbsp; The rough renovation on 5 looks solid this spring. &nbsp;The renovation areas that we worked on last year (2, 7, 12, 13) need some work this spring due to washouts and all of these areas will be roped off again this year. &nbsp;The natural areas are scheduled to be mechanically thinned this spring and we are again spraying them this year so that you can find your golf balls. &nbsp;Please refrain from driving your carts in these areas as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Bunkers:</u>&nbsp; Rick and Ryan led our crew thru the bunkers the last few days and they are looking good for this early in the spring. &nbsp;I still want to do some more fine tuning in the bunkers the next few weeks but they are very close to being ready for the season. &nbsp;We have added some more rakes to the bunkers but I ask that you stay off the slopes and continue to enter/exit the bunkers from the low sides.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u>Golf Carts:</u>&nbsp; I am expecting to have carts available sometime next week. &nbsp;I've spent over 10 hours so far putting out stakes and still haven't finished! &nbsp;There are still some damp areas around the course so use caution when we open for carts, follow the cart signs and please stay out of the roped areas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is still a lot of work to be done before we are ready for the summer. &nbsp;We need to finish our cleanup (branches, leaves, etc.) around the course, finish removing stump grindings and install topsoil/seed from the 2014 tree work, cleanup landscape beds around the property and instal mulch, refine the mowing lines on greens, tees, and fairways...well you get the point. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our priority items for next week are to spray the course with our Annual Bluegrass seedhead control and get the irrigation system fully operational. &nbsp;We are really looking forward to another season at FCC and appreciate all that you do on the course to contribute to our success. &nbsp;Have a great weekend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pat</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/04/course-update-april-17.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-3939244995204801251Mon, 06 Apr 2015 18:31:00 +00002015-04-06T14:31:26.988-04:00Golf Course Update - April 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I just finished a long tour of the course and I'm very happy with what I have seen so far. &nbsp;The winter damage is very limited and I expect most of our time to be spent the next few weeks picking up branches and doing general course cleanup. &nbsp;There is still a lot of snow but what I saw today was a far different course then the one I left on Friday. &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtSzxiaIXOk/VSLDWakhwYI/AAAAAAAADlY/D2-3byhNpd8/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XtSzxiaIXOk/VSLDWakhwYI/AAAAAAAADlY/D2-3byhNpd8/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second hole with snow along the left tree line.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFN9DqePk0Q/VSLDZl0A-0I/AAAAAAAADlg/8h71_dCbDh4/s1600/IMG_8931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFN9DqePk0Q/VSLDZl0A-0I/AAAAAAAADlg/8h71_dCbDh4/s1600/IMG_8931.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same conditions can be found on the third hole.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-p5STxxyb4/VSLDVFdL_JI/AAAAAAAADlQ/DJ7Lz-Q4hmo/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-p5STxxyb4/VSLDVFdL_JI/AAAAAAAADlQ/DJ7Lz-Q4hmo/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can clearly see where someone cross country skied over the winter.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc4-0DFYyLU/VSLDaV1OSMI/AAAAAAAADlk/Dym_CNBa-GU/s1600/IMG_8941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tc4-0DFYyLU/VSLDaV1OSMI/AAAAAAAADlk/Dym_CNBa-GU/s1600/IMG_8941.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10th hole with ponds still drained from the winter. &nbsp;We typically drain the ponds during the winter so that if anyone decides to skate on the ice it will be shallow. &nbsp;Keeping the boards out of the dams also allow the course to drain quicker in the spring. &nbsp;We'll begin allowing the ponds to fill later in the week.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjrIoht_TBU/VSLDcifxldI/AAAAAAAADlw/9VpDkhx_LQw/s1600/IMG_8942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fjrIoht_TBU/VSLDcifxldI/AAAAAAAADlw/9VpDkhx_LQw/s1600/IMG_8942.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still a lot of snow on 14. &nbsp;Water running off some of our neighbor's properties melted snow this past weekend.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfx6n70z748/VSLDgkbb4rI/AAAAAAAADl8/LguP_N-Wt6k/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfx6n70z748/VSLDgkbb4rI/AAAAAAAADl8/LguP_N-Wt6k/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By far the largest amount of snow can be found on the left of 16 and it runs the entire length of the hole.</td></tr></tbody></table>Some additional information you need to know if you walk on the course can be found below.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2NCZwbLbwM/VSLDgULApSI/AAAAAAAADl4/G5yeshwTr1U/s1600/IMG_8951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2NCZwbLbwM/VSLDgULApSI/AAAAAAAADl4/G5yeshwTr1U/s1600/IMG_8951.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We never finished the stump grinding cleanup. &nbsp;We will be removing the grindings over the coming weeks and backfilling with topsoil, aerfication plugs, and seed.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6V4VfYgyr8/VSLEaueao5I/AAAAAAAADmY/UpqajN2GduQ/s1600/IMG_8928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6V4VfYgyr8/VSLEaueao5I/AAAAAAAADmY/UpqajN2GduQ/s1600/IMG_8928.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will see a lot of this around the course. &nbsp;We treat greens, tees, fairways and approaches, and the intermediate rough for snow mold. &nbsp;The plant protectant that is sprayed lasts for a short period of time and with the duration of snow coverage it's not surprising to see some disease break thru.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBt1iAHWvTE/VSLEWc--ACI/AAAAAAAADmQ/Biq1dqwyHzA/s1600/IMG_8929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBt1iAHWvTE/VSLEWc--ACI/AAAAAAAADmQ/Biq1dqwyHzA/s1600/IMG_8929.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always like these pictures. &nbsp;It is clearly evident where we stopped spaying the snow mold fungicide into the rough and I'm sure you are all seeing this on your home lawns.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VUpYSam4QOo/VSLESHRJE4I/AAAAAAAADmI/NqxP4O7GspQ/s1600/IMG_8933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VUpYSam4QOo/VSLESHRJE4I/AAAAAAAADmI/NqxP4O7GspQ/s1600/IMG_8933.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new 5th ladies tee looks great coming out of the winter...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prFOSLU4TiE/VSLFH3hUQZI/AAAAAAAADnw/XGSRV6-p-qQ/s1600/IMG_8946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-prFOSLU4TiE/VSLFH3hUQZI/AAAAAAAADnw/XGSRV6-p-qQ/s1600/IMG_8946.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as does the new 15th tees. &nbsp;The guys were out rolling the tee today and applying another granular plant protectant to both this morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24JUyeCYSbw/VSLEiJRfz6I/AAAAAAAADmg/9f6KjFAjPCc/s1600/IMG_8934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24JUyeCYSbw/VSLEiJRfz6I/AAAAAAAADmg/9f6KjFAjPCc/s1600/IMG_8934.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rough renovation work completed during the bunker project is looking good. &nbsp;The line between the natural area and the groomed rough is well defined and I'm hopeful that it will do even better over the season.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQxjOHu2RQw/VSLEpyl1GUI/AAAAAAAADmw/HbD7sst6QGw/s1600/IMG_8935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQxjOHu2RQw/VSLEpyl1GUI/AAAAAAAADmw/HbD7sst6QGw/s1600/IMG_8935.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will see a lot of these "bird baths" on the course. &nbsp;The water settles here over the winter and I expect most of these spots to recover once the weather warms up.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faRKMQ1Bzng/VSLEu6ZoEZI/AAAAAAAADm4/Nys7H3A7hmA/s1600/IMG_8937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faRKMQ1Bzng/VSLEu6ZoEZI/AAAAAAAADm4/Nys7H3A7hmA/s1600/IMG_8937.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a great shot of the 6th approach. &nbsp;The snow mold stops where we sprayed the approach twice.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V58s4ktTHzk/VSLExLO9TAI/AAAAAAAADnA/A8vfS8F0Ur4/s1600/IMG_8938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V58s4ktTHzk/VSLExLO9TAI/AAAAAAAADnA/A8vfS8F0Ur4/s1600/IMG_8938.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from 7 tee. &nbsp;We had some washouts where we renovated the rough on the left ( and on the renovation work on 2 rough) and both areas will need to be cleaned up and seeded again.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7sVV_fJK8/VSLE6V059VI/AAAAAAAADnQ/zAkMDMrKupQ/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7sVV_fJK8/VSLE6V059VI/AAAAAAAADnQ/zAkMDMrKupQ/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drain located between the range and 9 is backing up and will need to be cleaned out.</td></tr></tbody></table>As you can imagine the course is very wet from the snow melting and as the runoff enters the club property.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9S0uWvBzVs/VSLE9utssfI/AAAAAAAADnY/x7WntQNlVIw/s1600/IMG_8943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9S0uWvBzVs/VSLE9utssfI/AAAAAAAADnY/x7WntQNlVIw/s1600/IMG_8943.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The left of 10 has a lot of water running off the left rough.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Va4APm4f8O0/VSLFBPK6PCI/AAAAAAAADng/Nl8Tauh9IdM/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Va4APm4f8O0/VSLFBPK6PCI/AAAAAAAADng/Nl8Tauh9IdM/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landing area on 12 is very wet...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-EjXtGbBqk/VSLFDfZ3IeI/AAAAAAAADno/yb-qP6KttnU/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-EjXtGbBqk/VSLFDfZ3IeI/AAAAAAAADno/yb-qP6KttnU/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and as you can see from this photo it runs from rough line to rough line.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv63rt7u8_4/VSLFJTfKohI/AAAAAAAADn4/4Zul2s37aFc/s1600/IMG_8947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv63rt7u8_4/VSLFJTfKohI/AAAAAAAADn4/4Zul2s37aFc/s1600/IMG_8947.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a lot of water coming to the surface on 14 as well both in the right rough and between the greenside bunker and 15 tee.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCrCQAPUJDc/VSLFSy1hByI/AAAAAAAADoA/RhCRAm55m_c/s1600/IMG_8949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UCrCQAPUJDc/VSLFSy1hByI/AAAAAAAADoA/RhCRAm55m_c/s1600/IMG_8949.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The left of 15 is drier then I expected. &nbsp;I'm hoping that cleaning out the culvert that runs along the left rough helped out some. &nbsp;There is still a lot of work to be done here and we'll continue the cleanup once it begins to dry down.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feHeHloqhV0/VSLFTat29RI/AAAAAAAADoE/GIiVUcyhpjA/s1600/IMG_8948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feHeHloqhV0/VSLFTat29RI/AAAAAAAADoE/GIiVUcyhpjA/s1600/IMG_8948.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a critter doing some mining under the snow on 15 ladies tee.</td></tr></tbody></table>That is all to report today. &nbsp;We are hoping to pull the covers back tomorrow morning and leave them off overnight before recovering on Wednesday. &nbsp;The forecast for Wednesday night is a mix of rain/snow/sleet so I want them covered for that.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/04/golf-course-update-april-6.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6954224764324159567Tue, 31 Mar 2015 12:45:00 +00002015-03-31T08:45:16.731-04:00Golf Course Update - March 31<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another month has almost passed us by and not a lot has changed out on the course. &nbsp;We have lost some snow but not enough for us to get out onto the property and begin the clean up in preparation for the course opening. &nbsp;I was hopeful that last week would be a good week for melting but we only had two nights above freezing ( 37 and 34 degrees) and that wasn't enough to put a dent in our snowpack. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the beginning of the March we were looking at a snowpack that ranged from 27 to 22". &nbsp;As of yesterday we are now down to 10 to 2" of snow on the greens with some of our shady areas still holding onto 16" of snow. &nbsp;Late last week we tried removing snow off the 13th green with our snowblower and were only somewhat successful after the rain softened the frozen crust on Thursday. &nbsp;Looking at this week's forecast I'm thinking we might have a window of opportunity to try it again on Friday and so we'll be out trying to pick away at some of the greens with deeper snowpack (4, 6, 15, 16). &nbsp;I'll make sure to update you on our progress via my&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter account</a>. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e have our seasonal staff on standby for when it warms up enough where there is enough work for them to be productive and where we won't be causing damage driving around the course. &nbsp;Our "honey do" list for the course opening is long this year and opening the greens is our first priority. &nbsp;It has been a long winter for everyone at FCC and we will do our best to fast track the process but I ask for your continued patience in the time between when the snow melts until the greens open.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/03/golf-course-update-march-31.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-2406388069927159257Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:53:00 +00002015-02-04T10:53:46.726-05:00Golf Course Update - February 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVLczHA9Kkk/VNI_zhTSjwI/AAAAAAAADkQ/iwBb0hFM-YY/s1600/635584478465910056-C06-FINAL-02-70511688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVLczHA9Kkk/VNI_zhTSjwI/AAAAAAAADkQ/iwBb0hFM-YY/s1600/635584478465910056-C06-FINAL-02-70511688.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How can I start with anything but the Patriots winning the Super Bowl? &nbsp;As most of you know I am lucky enough to have a 10 year old son at home and it was amazing to share that moment with him. &nbsp;Now onto the snow...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've been busy the last few weeks. &nbsp;I would like to say that most of our time was spent on the course, at educational events, or working on golf carts, course supplies and equipment but we haven't. &nbsp;We have been pushing snow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It started with the blizzard on January 27th where at one point during the storm Framingham had received the most snow in the state. &nbsp;Overall the club saw over 32" of snow (we couldn't get a good reading...it was blowing too hard) and at around 2:30 p.m. the club's dump truck lost the ability to go in reverse. &nbsp;Obviously the ability to go in reverse is pretty important when plowing but losing the dump truck also limits our ability to treat the parking lot with the sand/salt necessary to melt snow and help with traction. &nbsp;Cleanup continued for three days after, moving more snow, clearing walkways, and opening up areas to place snow in anticipation for the next storm.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That storm came this Monday and dumped an additional 15" of snow at the club. &nbsp;If you had driven to the club you would have seen us pushing snow in the lots with a skid steer and even using the club's snowblower to clear the roads. &nbsp;I have to give my guys a ton of credit for literally "plowing" thru it the last few days and getting the place ready for the reopening of the clubhouse and WB today. &nbsp;The lot has been treated but please use caution when entering and exiting the club as some of the snow piles are still very large. &nbsp;We will continue to move snow the next few days because there is a storm forecasted for Monday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPpqFssIYGc/VNI7oizrtYI/AAAAAAAADjs/Kvuzul0c3oQ/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPpqFssIYGc/VNI7oizrtYI/AAAAAAAADjs/Kvuzul0c3oQ/s1600/IMG_0932.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFOIePWiptU/VNI73OqJrUI/AAAAAAAADkA/5IXYUismJ9k/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFOIePWiptU/VNI73OqJrUI/AAAAAAAADkA/5IXYUismJ9k/s1600/IMG_0930.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEtOxu0R8D4/VNI73Eg7jGI/AAAAAAAADj8/vpOpGKmzi7E/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEtOxu0R8D4/VNI73Eg7jGI/AAAAAAAADj8/vpOpGKmzi7E/s1600/IMG_0931.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee2WzuXmEGo/VNI7zVaX42I/AAAAAAAADj0/f2iV0QKi914/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee2WzuXmEGo/VNI7zVaX42I/AAAAAAAADj0/f2iV0QKi914/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/02/golf-course-update-february-4.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-978565496862213926Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:58:00 +00002015-01-22T08:58:30.937-05:00Golf Course Update - January 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We have been busy on the course (and in the shop) since I last posted an update so I wanted to let you know what we've been up to. &nbsp;As many of you may have known we were understaffed this year and that allowed us to keep our seasonal staff working until we took our break for the holidays. &nbsp;The course was very clean going into December and that allowed us to continue the work we started a few years ago behind 14 green and to the left of 15. &nbsp;This area has always been a mess, with vines, brush, and dead trees shading out the club's property line. &nbsp;It's a spot that I wanted to open up to increase sunlight and expose the first hazard area the hugs the left of 15. &nbsp;The brush removal required an extreme amount of effort, especially with the ever-changing weather conditions we faced in December. &nbsp;Our only goal was to get past the hazard and have all the brush picked up by December 19. &nbsp;What follows are some shots of the work in progress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eW6GhLV7b10/VLldyiBu0GI/AAAAAAAADgc/DHxt0ITEcjY/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eW6GhLV7b10/VLldyiBu0GI/AAAAAAAADgc/DHxt0ITEcjY/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It all started the second week of December. &nbsp;The guys used brush saws, pruners, and chainsaws.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3vDV41kj_o/VLldyB6pDsI/AAAAAAAADgY/-BmG80urc_k/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3vDV41kj_o/VLldyB6pDsI/AAAAAAAADgY/-BmG80urc_k/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here they are during one of the better days (meaning no snow or rain). &nbsp;As you can tell from the photos it's cold out there.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S1BYTgKYCQ/VLldzGm4JgI/AAAAAAAADgk/TrbCAjgT7SM/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S1BYTgKYCQ/VLldzGm4JgI/AAAAAAAADgk/TrbCAjgT7SM/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>As the area was cleared it became evident that there is a lot of water migrating from the wall on the property line. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvvxlhclo_o/VLld8O0UI5I/AAAAAAAADgw/_VlWkGkKDvI/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvvxlhclo_o/VLld8O0UI5I/AAAAAAAADgw/_VlWkGkKDvI/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9cb9dehEiI/VLleAaPj8nI/AAAAAAAADhA/CrVpvHTvoNI/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9cb9dehEiI/VLleAaPj8nI/AAAAAAAADhA/CrVpvHTvoNI/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here you can see the water moving to a culvert that was installed long before my time at the club. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDppfTsKmdk/VLld8hQo45I/AAAAAAAADg4/5Fx2BjnYJaQ/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FDppfTsKmdk/VLld8hQo45I/AAAAAAAADg4/5Fx2BjnYJaQ/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>With the leaves and brush pulled back we should be able to (once the ground freezes) bring the skid steer in, create some mounding and move the water to the culvert before it reaches the mid-rough (rough between the tee and fairway) and fairway.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnBliinGJN4/VLleEtBxBLI/AAAAAAAADhI/aEV3CWspm7Y/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GnBliinGJN4/VLleEtBxBLI/AAAAAAAADhI/aEV3CWspm7Y/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Piles of brush being removed the day before we shut down for the season.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Along with the in-house brush work we also started our tree program late December.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> &nbsp;<b id="docs-internal-guid-56e30f3c-11b4-3ddc-5790-b20bc96c24ed" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The main purpose of most tree work is to improve the growing environment for the turf by increasing sunlight (recommended at least 6-8 hours, preferably in the morning) and airflow (reducing moisture on the turf for less disease pressure and to keep the surface dry and firm). &nbsp;A secondary purpose for tree removal is to improve the aesthetics of a hole, whether removing trees to highlight a specimen tree or a design feature (bunker or hazard) or removal of a tree that takes away from the natural beauty of a hole. &nbsp;Finally trees are often removed when they are diseased and can be a hazard to members and staff. Here are some photos of the work which was completed.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-56e30f3c-11b4-3ddc-5790-b20bc96c24ed" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itIvxzqoxGc/VLlgFRoDkcI/AAAAAAAADjE/-jscTz19T8c/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itIvxzqoxGc/VLlgFRoDkcI/AAAAAAAADjE/-jscTz19T8c/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The skyline/backdrop behind 7 green before (and during the fall tree work along the left property line).</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5Io7zivitc/VLleFfMOkQI/AAAAAAAADhQ/0EyGHVRGwFs/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5Io7zivitc/VLleFfMOkQI/AAAAAAAADhQ/0EyGHVRGwFs/s1600/IMG_0874.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The view after the work was completed. &nbsp;Make sure to notice the next time you play the hills in the distance behind the green and how the green site follows the hill's contours. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwx_0Rzj-lY/VLleHgdT0nI/AAAAAAAADhY/KyzG2WyDYsY/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nwx_0Rzj-lY/VLleHgdT0nI/AAAAAAAADhY/KyzG2WyDYsY/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A tree that was struck by lightning a few years ago at the corner of the cart path was removed for safety. &nbsp;Also note the new contour of the fairway now that we removed the bow this past fall.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lilYHPiPE-E/VLleN3UFJaI/AAAAAAAADhg/ESZnRJn31Cs/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lilYHPiPE-E/VLleN3UFJaI/AAAAAAAADhg/ESZnRJn31Cs/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Crane being used to remove trees behind 5 green and increase sunlight for not only the green and surrounds but also the 6th tee. &nbsp;The arborist in the bucket truck cuts half the tree and the crane moves it...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jQOP659WtM/VLleOM0LaJI/AAAAAAAADhk/PheAOuCXDF4/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jQOP659WtM/VLleOM0LaJI/AAAAAAAADhk/PheAOuCXDF4/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>to another crew waiting on the ground...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VNi9oT7F2k/VLleP2fPuNI/AAAAAAAADhw/rU84Ict-9sA/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VNi9oT7F2k/VLleP2fPuNI/AAAAAAAADhw/rU84Ict-9sA/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>who then remove branches for chipping and place the logs for removal by a log truck. &nbsp;This is the most efficient way to remove a large amount of trees.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6hYFBtXV0E/VMD4LMuLhEI/AAAAAAAADjU/6dxJl_s41Sk/s1600/IMG_6715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j6hYFBtXV0E/VMD4LMuLhEI/AAAAAAAADjU/6dxJl_s41Sk/s1600/IMG_6715.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>View of 5 green before.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alVdOEl2aBw/VMD4NmMS4jI/AAAAAAAADjc/YKoyQzpKzvc/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-alVdOEl2aBw/VMD4NmMS4jI/AAAAAAAADjc/YKoyQzpKzvc/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>View of 5 green after.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wp4UBmqDNso/VLleVgb7dHI/AAAAAAAADiE/D3vmJatpT6M/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wp4UBmqDNso/VLleVgb7dHI/AAAAAAAADiE/D3vmJatpT6M/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pine tree at entrance that was removed and as you can see...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5k9FIhIQ5U/VLleaSw_L6I/AAAAAAAADiQ/YBAUctcSjpk/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5k9FIhIQ5U/VLleaSw_L6I/AAAAAAAADiQ/YBAUctcSjpk/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>the tree is dead and posed a serious safety risk.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CetH0SrfoXQ/VLleW9GPZNI/AAAAAAAADiA/TMLqyBJWKws/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CetH0SrfoXQ/VLleW9GPZNI/AAAAAAAADiA/TMLqyBJWKws/s1600/IMG_0888.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>View of the 16th hole. &nbsp;The left fairway bunker is hidden behind the trees on the left. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEI5poxed60/VLleUvFwksI/AAAAAAAADh4/DUunVEJXszw/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEI5poxed60/VLleUvFwksI/AAAAAAAADh4/DUunVEJXszw/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The bunker is now exposed (and under snow) after the removals. &nbsp;There is still some small pruning that needs to be completed in the spring but now you will see the bunker from the tee.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WsrxPD7Ric/VLlegrugkvI/AAAAAAAADig/cYs9dAB50r8/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WsrxPD7Ric/VLlegrugkvI/AAAAAAAADig/cYs9dAB50r8/s1600/IMG_0916.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Some work completed behind 15 green where one tree was removed and 4 trees were pruned to allow more sunlight to reach the 16th tee. &nbsp;This tee has been prone to winter damage and hopefully this will limit any future damage.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkmK6J2Hmpk/VLleh_QL3tI/AAAAAAAADiw/jkpiZ7mKJaY/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkmK6J2Hmpk/VLleh_QL3tI/AAAAAAAADiw/jkpiZ7mKJaY/s1600/IMG_0917.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Three pines between 13 and 14 fairways where deadwood was removed and the trees thinned out. &nbsp;These trees shade the 13th fairway causing it to hold moisture longer into the day and this work should help dry out the fairway</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXWxarqpRFU/VLlegjtE_kI/AAAAAAAADik/sK55jtDGfn0/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXWxarqpRFU/VLlegjtE_kI/AAAAAAAADik/sK55jtDGfn0/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the trees that were removed from the property this year.&nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b id="docs-internal-guid-56e30f3c-11db-d061-fbfe-9f00b861cb12" style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br /><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-56e30f3c-11db-d061-fbfe-9f00b861cb12" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pete has been busy preparing all of the club's equipment for the upcoming season. This involves sharpening all cutting units, changing all fluids and checking all machines to allow safe operation. Scratch has started his winter work and is busy sanding and painting all course accessories. Ryan and Rick are currently repairing the club's fleet of golf carts and once completed will move onto the staff utility carts. Finally Brian and I are reviewing last year's maintenance practices, reporting chemical usage to the state and beginning our plans for this season. &nbsp;We are all planning to attend next week's <a href="http://nertf.org/2015-show/">New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show</a> where seminars, informational talks, and a trade show is offered. It's the third largest turf show in the country and we are lucky to be able to attend.</span></span></b></div><div><b id="docs-internal-guid-56e30f3c-11db-d061-fbfe-9f00b861cb12" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eSJ2ZxRSoY/VLlejvYTG7I/AAAAAAAADi4/S4F7jvxivO0/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eSJ2ZxRSoY/VLlejvYTG7I/AAAAAAAADi4/S4F7jvxivO0/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Scratch hard at work on course accessories.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br />http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2015/01/golf-course-update-january-21.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-3784406318160862582Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:03:00 +00002014-11-20T14:04:28.126-05:00Golf Course Update....finally....November 20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's been some time since I've updated the blog and there has been a lot happening on the golf course since my last post on September 16. &nbsp;What follows is just some of the work we have completed around the course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkAp8awYnwA/VG4WoMdKPHI/AAAAAAAADdM/rQiwZ5TtLTE/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkAp8awYnwA/VG4WoMdKPHI/AAAAAAAADdM/rQiwZ5TtLTE/s1600/1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hole 3 with bailout area to the right.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ_fohrFfXk/VG4WhJuKinI/AAAAAAAADdA/DHXggTaJzKE/s1600/2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ_fohrFfXk/VG4WhJuKinI/AAAAAAAADdA/DHXggTaJzKE/s1600/2.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292f33; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The goal is to have smooth flowing fairway lines through the green that are interrupted only a hazard (bunker, stream, etc.) </span></span>The edge was defined and the intermediate rough was moved to the new fairway edge to allow for a consistent look. &nbsp;Remaining fairway was removed and rough grass was moved from 15 tee surrounds.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4BqwPTdPOM/VG4Wg9d6_CI/AAAAAAAADc8/KGd6tO-VNmQ/s1600/3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4BqwPTdPOM/VG4Wg9d6_CI/AAAAAAAADc8/KGd6tO-VNmQ/s1600/3.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Final product should grow in nicely by next spring.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yExiW0oqnI8/VG4WrQuCQrI/AAAAAAAADdU/DXWZPm9n3xc/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yExiW0oqnI8/VG4WrQuCQrI/AAAAAAAADdU/DXWZPm9n3xc/s1600/4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tree work was completed to the left of the 7th hole. &nbsp;The treeline was moved back to the club's property line and the landscape bed behind the green complex had plant material removed.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLTNI3w9bx4/VG4WsKwjYjI/AAAAAAAADdc/kE0MkCvTW5w/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uLTNI3w9bx4/VG4WsKwjYjI/AAAAAAAADdc/kE0MkCvTW5w/s1600/5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>As you can see now the stone wall is clearly visible and the skyline behind the green has been cleaned up.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDpmmtdyUWc/VG4WwBdM6tI/AAAAAAAADdk/5DZ-ePcFXiQ/s1600/6.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>A new "eyebrow" of natural plugs were added to the left and behind the left greenside bunker.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTW-v0QWolE/VG4WyFFx8QI/AAAAAAAADds/BzolYWgsoJ0/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTW-v0QWolE/VG4WyFFx8QI/AAAAAAAADds/BzolYWgsoJ0/s1600/7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally topsoil and seed were added to thin spots along the left rough. &nbsp;The goal is to have thick rough along the left of 7 (similar to the work that was completed to the left of hole 5 last year.) &nbsp;The area will remain roped off for carts until it fully establishes.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWdl_fqO8YU/VG4W11ywbQI/AAAAAAAADd4/kfs3Jnp2LBQ/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QWdl_fqO8YU/VG4W11ywbQI/AAAAAAAADd4/kfs3Jnp2LBQ/s1600/8.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>In addition to the work on 7 we also worked on the right rough on the second hole.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKuWdsMPDyk/VG4W1giXhMI/AAAAAAAADd0/9r7iLPC3cfg/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKuWdsMPDyk/VG4W1giXhMI/AAAAAAAADd0/9r7iLPC3cfg/s1600/9.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Once the topsoil and seed were added the area was roped off to keep carts from disturbing the topsoil and emerging seed.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iHYU0Nw3S0/VG4YGeMBcII/AAAAAAAADeI/8JyKPpAdeUU/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iHYU0Nw3S0/VG4YGeMBcII/AAAAAAAADeI/8JyKPpAdeUU/s1600/1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Ladies tee on hole 5 was renovated this past month. &nbsp;The tee was small in size and the surface was unlevel. &nbsp;As you can see from the photo above the tee also points to the left rough.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scOb-owGC-k/VG4YKzi9yrI/AAAAAAAADeY/fcWNMPLx3ig/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scOb-owGC-k/VG4YKzi9yrI/AAAAAAAADeY/fcWNMPLx3ig/s1600/2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>The finished product now points to the center of the fairway.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Ev7jM1vZ4/VG4YIWZnt0I/AAAAAAAADeQ/v7_hhfYviXk/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8Ev7jM1vZ4/VG4YIWZnt0I/AAAAAAAADeQ/v7_hhfYviXk/s1600/3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>The teeing surface is now much larger. &nbsp;The final phase of the work is enlarging the cart path down the hill. &nbsp;We are hoping to complete this next week.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LEZMx99e-4/VG4avvkcGEI/AAAAAAAADek/I-GuDmSgYNU/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6LEZMx99e-4/VG4avvkcGEI/AAAAAAAADek/I-GuDmSgYNU/s1600/1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>the men's tees on 15 are also being renovated this fall. &nbsp;This tee surface was also unlevel creating a launching pad effect. &nbsp;Prior to the work starting the Grounds Staff removed tee surface and surrounds sod to clean up thin areas around the course.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvASmWgArnA/VG4a8yH8-1I/AAAAAAAADfM/Yt7pGhvvsEA/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvASmWgArnA/VG4a8yH8-1I/AAAAAAAADfM/Yt7pGhvvsEA/s1600/2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>In addition to sodding winter damage from last year on the tees sod was used on low cut surrounds areas and on fairways.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cMjYEOkeo1c/VG4a-ukzlhI/AAAAAAAADfc/v2VJapwEtUA/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cMjYEOkeo1c/VG4a-ukzlhI/AAAAAAAADfc/v2VJapwEtUA/s1600/3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>We also used this opportunity to fine tune some of the approach areas where we found surface water running into the bunkers. &nbsp;As you can see on the 14th hole surface water was moving in along a low area just above the bunker rake.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ef9RXlHHVg/VG4bD2JlRFI/AAAAAAAADfk/v9I7eM49Iwk/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ef9RXlHHVg/VG4bD2JlRFI/AAAAAAAADfk/v9I7eM49Iwk/s1600/4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sod was removed and material was brought in to slow the water and force it down the approach. &nbsp;While surface water will be kept out of the bunkers a misplayed shot will still find it's way into the bunker!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ2mPFMSmrg/VG4bHqPxXOI/AAAAAAAADfs/UFr3RKDnnuo/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ2mPFMSmrg/VG4bHqPxXOI/AAAAAAAADfs/UFr3RKDnnuo/s1600/5.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>As you can see from the picture above Michael Drake is using a laser grader to level the sub-grade prior to the installation of root zone mix.&nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZENdkp6gqik/VG4bJp-r8EI/AAAAAAAADf0/ARJcGLIVIpA/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZENdkp6gqik/VG4bJp-r8EI/AAAAAAAADf0/ARJcGLIVIpA/s1600/6.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>This photo shows just how much material was moved from the front to the back of the tee. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lf-bzzBoFyg/VG4bKOSsWOI/AAAAAAAADf4/q_JhyRn1pWg/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lf-bzzBoFyg/VG4bKOSsWOI/AAAAAAAADf4/q_JhyRn1pWg/s1600/7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here is a photo showing Michael cutting/filling from front to back. &nbsp;Once completed the fairway bunkers will now be visible from the tee.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doBwr8RL6Ro/VG4azaxD1OI/AAAAAAAADes/__1R3u3bxxw/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-doBwr8RL6Ro/VG4azaxD1OI/AAAAAAAADes/__1R3u3bxxw/s1600/11.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally what's a fall at FCC without a green enlargement? &nbsp;This work is being done on the 14th hole behind the bunker.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ccYUOWeoA0/VG4a0WTbNZI/AAAAAAAADe0/cKITsyObW7w/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ccYUOWeoA0/VG4a0WTbNZI/AAAAAAAADe0/cKITsyObW7w/s1600/12.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Another view from the front of the green.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOpLZhpslF4/VG4a0QYnhCI/AAAAAAAADe4/RvkVNzISrfQ/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOpLZhpslF4/VG4a0QYnhCI/AAAAAAAADe4/RvkVNzISrfQ/s1600/13.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The grass on expansion area is shaved from 0.5" to 0.2" multiple times.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBJFX89PQXM/VG4a2-DHoBI/AAAAAAAADfE/20cM-xkvkAU/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WBJFX89PQXM/VG4a2-DHoBI/AAAAAAAADfE/20cM-xkvkAU/s1600/14.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>The area is also verticut multiple times to remove any "runners" and thatch.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9zmgmqZ28E/VG4a9VV8MaI/AAAAAAAADfU/56AiqncR_NQ/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j9zmgmqZ28E/VG4a9VV8MaI/AAAAAAAADfU/56AiqncR_NQ/s1600/15.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><b>Finally the area was aerified multiple times and topdressing and seed were added. &nbsp;This was followed a few times with another verticut to slice the greens seed into the surface. &nbsp;If time and weather allows we will lower the cutting heights again prior to closing for the year. &nbsp;As was the case with previous expansions I expect that it will take up to two years for the surface to be healed in and at greens quality. &nbsp;</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We continue to do cleanup around the course and clubhouse. &nbsp;The oak trees are still holding onto their leaves but I expect more leaves to drop with the rain and wind forecasted for the next few days. &nbsp;All of the naturalized areas have been cut back and cleaned up and we are cleaning up brush areas around the course. &nbsp;The irrigation system was winterized for the season this past Monday and Tuesday and the pumping station is scheduled to be winterized tomorrow. &nbsp;Course supplies (water coolers, trash containers, ball washers, bunker rakes) have been removed from the course. &nbsp;We hope to do the following prior to closing for the season:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li>Topdress, apply dolomitic lime, and spray our final plant protectant on greens prior to covering.</li><li>Topdress, apply dolomitic lime, and spray our final plant protectant on approaches and collection areas.</li><li>Topdress, dormant feed, and spray our final plant protectant on tees.</li><li>Fill divots, Topdress, dormant feed, and spray our final plant protectant on the practice tee. &nbsp;The last day to use club supplied golf balls on the practice areas is November 30. &nbsp;<b>The mats and practice area will remain open, weather dependent, for the remainder of the season with your own golf balls after November 30.</b></li><li>Dormant feed and spray our final plant protectant on fairways.</li><li>Cut and mark temporary greens. &nbsp;<b>please keep in mind that we are actively tracking the weather and will try to give plenty of notice prior to closing the greens for the remainder of the year. &nbsp;As we have all seen from the recent snow in Buffalo the weather can change quickly so please follow my Twitter account for timely updates on the course.&nbsp;</b></li><li>Put out temporary tee markers.</li><li>Start our fall tree program when ground conditions become more favorable. &nbsp;This requires firm ground as the machinery used (cranes, bucket trucks, log removal equipment) can cause significant damage to the course.</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">That is it for now. &nbsp;Long range forecast is calling for warmer weather starting Sunday and continuing to Wednesday. &nbsp;Hopefully you can get out to the club and enjoy the course and if we don't see you the Grounds Staff wishes you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.</div><br />http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/11/golf-course-updatefinally.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-691796711436288245Tue, 16 Sep 2014 18:17:00 +00002014-09-16T14:17:46.281-04:00Golf Course Update<div style="text-align: justify;">I apologize for taking so long to post. &nbsp;We have been pretty busy on the course and due to staff shortages (more on this later) I have found myself on the course more then in year's past.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The greens continue to perform well. &nbsp;Speeds are acceptable and the surfaces are firming up nicely again. &nbsp;We continue to find rooting shallow but expect that to change over the coming weeks as cooler temperatures roll in. &nbsp;We are beginning our preparations for the aerification scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday. &nbsp;We will be coring the greens on Monday and on Tuesday we will have the club's DryJect contractor on site to inject sand. &nbsp;We will be applying dolomitic lime to address nutrient deficiencies detailed in our latest soil tests and fertilizer to help speed up the recovery process. We will also be seeding the greens will newer varieties of bentgrass that has been developed to be highly competitive against Annual Bluegrass, have increased disease resistance and heat tolerance, and have vigorous, uniform, and moderately dense growth. &nbsp;We will continue applying root zone amendments to the greens for the remainder of the year to help buildup reserves for next year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The playability of the collars has been a hot topic the last few years. &nbsp;Currently they are composed of a mix of creeping bentgrass, annual bluegrass, and ryegrass. &nbsp;Over the coarse of the season the bentgrass and annual bluegrass tend to shrink due to our use of growth regulators, foot and mowing traffic, and normal wear and tear. &nbsp;Due to it's bunch type growth the ryegrass stands out and can cause an unfair lie. &nbsp;We will be testing out using Roundup to control the ryegrass this fall during aerification on the second green collar between the green surface and bunker. &nbsp;The goal is to kill the ryegrass with the Roundup and have the voids fill in with newly seeded bentgrass. &nbsp;If we are successful we will tackle other areas around the course. &nbsp;The test plot will be roped off after the application so that no roundup is tracked onto the green. &nbsp;We will keep you updated on our progress and appreciate you refraining from walking in the roped off area. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tees will be aerified soon after the greens. &nbsp;The tee surfaces have done well this year even with a significant amount of play. &nbsp;We are still struggling with the divots on the practice tee. &nbsp;Please refer to this <a href="http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2012/08/preferred-divot-pattern-for-practice-tee.html">post</a>&nbsp;regarding the preferred divot pattern for the practice area. &nbsp;There is no fairway aerification planned for this fall. &nbsp;We will instead be heavy grooming the fairways over the next few weeks. &nbsp;This will not take the place of aerification and I am hoping that we find time to spot aerify locations that are overly thatchy, prone to localized dry spots, and areas that had winter damage this past spring. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are looking at beginning work on the left rough along the fairway on the 7th hole and the left rough after the fairway bunker on 12. &nbsp;This work will be very similar to that which was completed last year along the left of the 5th hole. &nbsp;topsoil will be brought in to level the surface, we will overseed and fertilize the area and then rope it off to keep carts from driving on it. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are also beginning cutting back the naturalized rough areas. &nbsp;We are starting with the areas located around greens and tees and will move to the larger rough areas early next month. &nbsp;Our goal is to have them cut down &nbsp;and sprayed before the end of the year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have been understaffed all year. &nbsp;Typically we are fortunate enough to run with up to 15 seasonal staff members and three Assistants. &nbsp;This year we have had only 10 seasonal staff members and two Assistants. &nbsp;While we have been able to continue to groom the course on a regular basis our ability to do small projects has been limited. &nbsp;I am lucky to have a crew that knows how to efficiently do their jobs and multitask and I appreciate all their hard work this year. &nbsp;I am currently interviewing and looking to fill the vacant Assistant position and continue to look for more seasonal staff to finish out the year. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's looking like we'll be busy again until the first snowfall. &nbsp;I hope you enjoy the fall and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the golf course.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/09/golf-course-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-4674518067524834351Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:13:00 +00002014-07-31T12:13:09.166-04:00Walker Divot Mix Program<br /><div>During the season, when time and weather allows, the Grounds Staff fills fairway divots every other week. &nbsp;As you can imagine in the weeks between, with increased play and outside events, the fairways can get pretty chewed up. &nbsp;In an effort to improve playing conditions the&nbsp;Green Committee has been discussing how we could offer, besides the divot boxes on holes 2, 3, and 18 or when playing with someone using a golf cart, a way for walkers to fill their divots while playing the course. &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We decided this year to implement a program where those who are walking with a push cart or carrying their own bag will be offered a divot mix bottle when starting their round and having fill stations every few holes (Holes 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, and 16) and at the Pro Shop. &nbsp;If for some reason you do not receive a divot mix bottle please let me know. &nbsp;I plan on having a few with me in my golf cart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTtRSy5dqB0/U9ktqP87FdI/AAAAAAAADcI/WMUK4SsqKug/s1600/IMG_8646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cTtRSy5dqB0/U9ktqP87FdI/AAAAAAAADcI/WMUK4SsqKug/s1600/IMG_8646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As you can see these fill stations are brown and do not have sand. &nbsp;The divot mix bottle should <u>not</u> be refilled with the seed/soil mix on the par 3 tees (in the green divot boxes) since these containers have bentgrass seed. &nbsp;Bentgrass is a great grass when mowed at green, tee, or fairway cutting heights but is considered a weed due it's <a href="http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf/extension/factsheets/cool-season-turfgrasses-id">stoloniferous</a>&nbsp;growth habit when grown at rough height (remember the 2013 US Open at Merion?).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The bottles have a screw off bottom and as you can see below are very easy to fill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5M-uKOmVFaE/U9kttm6aQxI/AAAAAAAADcY/PcIXnVbTGF0/s1600/IMG_8647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5M-uKOmVFaE/U9kttm6aQxI/AAAAAAAADcY/PcIXnVbTGF0/s1600/IMG_8647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Now that we have reviewed how and where to fill the divot bottle let's quickly review when you should fill a divot. &nbsp;As you can see below there are typically two types of divots taken when playing a golf shot. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cmO2dKYTO0/U9kta-KnDuI/AAAAAAAADbo/f0Ox2_Hw6W4/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cmO2dKYTO0/U9kta-KnDuI/AAAAAAAADbo/f0Ox2_Hw6W4/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As you can see below this is a solid divot with topsoil and some roots visible. This divot should be replaced by placing it back the same way it came out. &nbsp;If for some reason it doesn't take the Grounds Staff will remove it when we are out filling divots.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBNpeZ4VDFU/U9kteJ8DkzI/AAAAAAAADb4/nnSqiw8FweE/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBNpeZ4VDFU/U9kteJ8DkzI/AAAAAAAADb4/nnSqiw8FweE/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />The next divot was taken by a shallow shot and the divot exploded into small pieces. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y204DioibVo/U9ktdNg_ZOI/AAAAAAAADbw/iaUfWJI7KMU/s1600/IMG_8643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y204DioibVo/U9ktdNg_ZOI/AAAAAAAADbw/iaUfWJI7KMU/s1600/IMG_8643.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The divot is filled with a small amount of sand so that it can be tamped down with your foot. &nbsp;Please note that any time you overfill a divot on fairways the sand is taken up by the club's fairway mowers and the sand will dull the blades and reduce the quality of cut for that mower. &nbsp;The Grounds Staff will top off any divot that isn't filled flush with the turf surface.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BLeElfHhQg/U9ktpGJk2YI/AAAAAAAADcA/ICkbJy7oRYc/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BLeElfHhQg/U9ktpGJk2YI/AAAAAAAADcA/ICkbJy7oRYc/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC1Q9q05hpU/U9ktrvWnfwI/AAAAAAAADcQ/exOiAYvQLC4/s1600/IMG_8645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC1Q9q05hpU/U9ktrvWnfwI/AAAAAAAADcQ/exOiAYvQLC4/s1600/IMG_8645.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Committee hopes that you take part in this new divot initiative at the club. &nbsp;Our goal is to continually improve playing conditions at the club so that you and your guests can enjoy your time at FCC. &nbsp;Please feel free to speak with me at the club if you have any questions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: 'Gill Sans';"><span class="368400119-29072014"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/07/walker-divot-mix-program.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6089312163135731932Mon, 28 Jul 2014 10:34:00 +00002014-07-28T06:34:52.843-04:00Golf Course Update-July 28 <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>422</o:Words> <o:Characters>2410</o:Characters> <o:Lines>20</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2959</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Well August is almost here and I’m hopeful that July’s weather continues next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It seems like every time we get any heat and humidity it clears the area after a few days and is followed by cooler weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This weather has allowed for a lot of golf and the course is starting to show some wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>There are some ways that you can help us provide better playing conditions for you and your guest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Fix your ball marks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This is something that we are always talking about because it directly effects every player on the most important playing surface at the club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>An unfixed or improperly fixed ball mark takes twice as long to recover as a properly repaired mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Please speak with me if you need a refresher on the proper way to fix a ball mark.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5_uZYcRxaw/U9YmK6cDtrI/AAAAAAAADbQ/N_cd8OihiEM/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5_uZYcRxaw/U9YmK6cDtrI/AAAAAAAADbQ/N_cd8OihiEM/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br /></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Please either replace or fill your fairway divots with the sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Typically if you see soil on the bottom of the divot it will recover when replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>In the coming weeks you will see additional divot mix containers on the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>These, along with soil tubes provided by the pro shop, will allow for walkers to fill their divots as well.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Use the preferred divot pattern on the practice tee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It is a fact that the “strip” method of practicing takes less time to recover and uses less space then either scattering your divot pattern or using the pro box method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The club invested in mats as part of the golf course renovation project and the three days off for the grass tee has helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Please use the strip divot pattern so that each time you go on the grass the surface is fully recovered.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sz3cqDAFjU/U9YmfJPZz0I/AAAAAAAADbY/KriUgBns8Kw/s1600/Preferred+Divot+Pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sz3cqDAFjU/U9YmfJPZz0I/AAAAAAAADbY/KriUgBns8Kw/s1600/Preferred+Divot+Pattern.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><br /></span></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Continue to use the low side when entering and exiting the bunkers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The bunkers are performing well in their first season and we would like to make sure the grass surrounds thrive this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Any traffic on the grass slopes can break down the slopes, cause soil to enter the sand, and contaminate the sand.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Follow cart signs and refrain from entering roped areas with your golf cart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We have had a lot of issues with golf carts this year driving over new sod and causing damage on the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We are not targeting anyone when placing either signs or roping off areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We are only trying to limit the amount of damage and scatter compaction and wear around the course.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Thanks in advance for your help with the items listed above and your continued support this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; When you are looking for current info on the course p</span>lease check</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp;my Twitter account <a href="file:///PJDalySuper">https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper</a> where I try to update on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>As always feel free to contact me at the club ( extension 19 ) or send me an email at <a href="mailto:pat@framinghamcc.com">pat@framinghamcc.com</a> if you have any questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We look forward to seeing you on the course enjoying what remains of the summer of 2014!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Pat<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/07/golf-course-update-july-28.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-895067212333689561Fri, 20 Jun 2014 10:11:00 +00002014-06-20T06:11:35.938-04:00Course Update - June 20<div style="text-align: justify;">It has been a while since I have written on the blog so I wanted to give you a brief update on the course. &nbsp;The course continues to perform as expected. &nbsp;Greens are doing well and we are at our regular cutting heights for the season. &nbsp;We are using brushes and are topdressing to reduce grain and keep them running true. &nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHrYj0uhFWo/U6QDKEBf3sI/AAAAAAAADaA/4id8s5sPmt8/s1600/Bpr9ZduCEAEVOZS.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHrYj0uhFWo/U6QDKEBf3sI/AAAAAAAADaA/4id8s5sPmt8/s1600/Bpr9ZduCEAEVOZS.jpg-large.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A recent day at FCC where greens were brushed, topdressed, and a wetting agent was applied.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As in previous years we are continuing to use the TDR moisture meters to maintain adequate moisture and firmness. &nbsp;This is also allowing us to spend less time chasing wilt and more time working on the irrigation system and spraying. &nbsp;Although the greens are firm we continue to find many ball marks that aren't being repaired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SrXfWaavl_0/U6QDKbP8syI/AAAAAAAADac/6sKMdWIycLs/s1600/BpIE1V6CEAAnsmr.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SrXfWaavl_0/U6QDKbP8syI/AAAAAAAADac/6sKMdWIycLs/s1600/BpIE1V6CEAAnsmr.jpg-large.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know that it can be difficult to find them sometimes but I ask you to continue to be vigilant on the greens and help us in our goal of providing smooth, consistent putting surfaces. &nbsp;Here is the preferred way to fix a ball mark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh8lrV54mBI/U6QEZlDMtOI/AAAAAAAADas/fZsR39AieM8/s1600/Blf8MlICUAAOZ-Y.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rh8lrV54mBI/U6QEZlDMtOI/AAAAAAAADas/fZsR39AieM8/s1600/Blf8MlICUAAOZ-Y.jpg-large.jpeg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The practice tee / mat rotation seems to be working well. &nbsp;We have now moved thru the tee one time for the season and I think you will find the grass tee in great condition. &nbsp;Please remember to use the FCC preferred divot pattern when practicing on the grass tee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtirvBUNmaY/U6QEZX5R5OI/AAAAAAAADaw/Tq63jckOGY4/s1600/FCC+Preferred+Divot+Pattern12X18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtirvBUNmaY/U6QEZX5R5OI/AAAAAAAADaw/Tq63jckOGY4/s1600/FCC+Preferred+Divot+Pattern12X18.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The ropes are being removed from around the bunkers. &nbsp;Although they have been removed we still expect everyone to refrain from walking in and out of the bunkers on the grass slopes. &nbsp;You can cause a lot of damage to the bunkers traveling on the grass slopes, including tearing the grass barrier that reduces contamination by topsoil into the bunker, and the club has invested a significant amount of time and money to provide you with good bunkers from which to play out of. &nbsp;Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LThCFAklu-g/U6QDLMSysPI/AAAAAAAADak/uOgdfFVD84o/s1600/Bqgb_t5IMAA6rrc.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LThCFAklu-g/U6QDLMSysPI/AAAAAAAADak/uOgdfFVD84o/s1600/Bqgb_t5IMAA6rrc.jpg-large.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We are finally seeing some grass germinate and fill in on the damaged areas around tees, approaches, and fairways. &nbsp;We continue to topdress these areas with divot mix and apply fertilizer to help speed the recovery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk-5blxAqQA/U6QDKXCB8GI/AAAAAAAADag/bZUUKNMX2Vo/s1600/Bp7DMW6IQAEYzfP.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk-5blxAqQA/U6QDKXCB8GI/AAAAAAAADag/bZUUKNMX2Vo/s1600/Bp7DMW6IQAEYzfP.jpg-large.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Finally the many of the natural areas have been treated to thin out the stand and control weeds. &nbsp;We still need to apply the products by hand to the severe slopes but I am hopeful that you will find them more playable (and you can also find you golf ball!) in the coming weeks. &nbsp;The hill on #1, where the pines were once located, is progressing well and we have spent time removing any rocks that migrated to the surface. &nbsp;We'll be doing the same to the area along the left rough on the 5th hole next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbG-SPfR8tU/U6QDK64LWzI/AAAAAAAADaY/CpIXCHEOfj0/s1600/BqA9SK4CIAA9dQD.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbG-SPfR8tU/U6QDK64LWzI/AAAAAAAADaY/CpIXCHEOfj0/s1600/BqA9SK4CIAA9dQD.jpg-large.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">That's it for now. &nbsp;Please continue to follow my&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;account for daily updates on the course.</div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/06/course-update-june-20.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-1463805278616984338Fri, 06 Jun 2014 11:27:00 +00002014-06-06T07:27:08.644-04:00Golf Course Update - June 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The course received 0.5" of rain yesterday and it gave us some time to work on a lot of trim work, we were able to finally fertilize tees and apply a granular product on greens to address soil calcium and magnesium deficiencies, and we finally put to bed the work between 12 green and 13 tee. Here are some photos of the work.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORX79A22-jw/U5Gbh9j24FI/AAAAAAAADXs/iSrkVsUhvVw/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ORX79A22-jw/U5Gbh9j24FI/AAAAAAAADXs/iSrkVsUhvVw/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The typical "before" shot. &nbsp;These pines were planted back in 1962.</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkdNHbxnmmc/U5GbhefsmGI/AAAAAAAADXo/ExpU0p0GSY8/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MkdNHbxnmmc/U5GbhefsmGI/AAAAAAAADXo/ExpU0p0GSY8/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The roots from the pines were undermining the cart path causing traffic to drive onto the 13 tee surrounds.</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lDApm4_ksU/U5GgomVONYI/AAAAAAAADY4/-Wxp8NEhRkE/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lDApm4_ksU/U5GgomVONYI/AAAAAAAADY4/-Wxp8NEhRkE/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The look from the fairway wasn't much better until...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjjbgT_j5ZE/U5GgoaE2YnI/AAAAAAAADY0/_Kl7pTlQvM4/s1600/IMG_8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjjbgT_j5ZE/U5GgoaE2YnI/AAAAAAAADY0/_Kl7pTlQvM4/s1600/IMG_8601.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>you took the pines away. &nbsp;Horizon is cleaned up and the oak is now highlighted.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jXSq8GFt24/U5Gbin86YAI/AAAAAAAADX8/G4dzGrYJnx0/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jXSq8GFt24/U5Gbin86YAI/AAAAAAAADX8/G4dzGrYJnx0/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Unfortunately this is what was left. &nbsp;We removed a significant amount of roots and rock.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtg_t9Z6n4M/U5GbYnDmGjI/AAAAAAAADXc/Fa7-WJU5VmE/s1600/Bm9HZDZIgAAOlUL.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtg_t9Z6n4M/U5GbYnDmGjI/AAAAAAAADXc/Fa7-WJU5VmE/s1600/Bm9HZDZIgAAOlUL.jpg-large.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The club's cart path contractor came in and removed more roots from under the old path.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLw_GQa925Y/U5GbYbWgwZI/AAAAAAAADXY/ayHigBuEe78/s1600/Bm-A5GUIAAAOy_f.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLw_GQa925Y/U5GbYbWgwZI/AAAAAAAADXY/ayHigBuEe78/s1600/Bm-A5GUIAAAOy_f.jpg-large.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The new path was installed and we continued to remove roots and rocks.</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rr84QQE_8XA/U5GbnXGnMeI/AAAAAAAADYE/0NTBbl4_724/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rr84QQE_8XA/U5GbnXGnMeI/AAAAAAAADYE/0NTBbl4_724/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Once topsoil was installed and some sprinklers were relocated we were ready for sod.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pGAxpEcRVWo/U5GbYS60kiI/AAAAAAAADXk/-z94vQG5PLg/s1600/BpUm7cdIAAAxl48.jpg-large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pGAxpEcRVWo/U5GbYS60kiI/AAAAAAAADXk/-z94vQG5PLg/s1600/BpUm7cdIAAAxl48.jpg-large.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>What we weren't ready for was another irrigation break after installing the sod. &nbsp;Sod was pealed back, rock and debris removed, irrigation fixed, topsoil added, and sod was replaced yesterday.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dBqWctalMI/U5GbpyOg1EI/AAAAAAAADYM/oC9K5Rxs0j0/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dBqWctalMI/U5GbpyOg1EI/AAAAAAAADYM/oC9K5Rxs0j0/s1600/IMG_8636.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Today the area looks good as new...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zENQqeYcqG0/U5GbrHNRsxI/AAAAAAAADYU/nzmwXW_leo0/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zENQqeYcqG0/U5GbrHNRsxI/AAAAAAAADYU/nzmwXW_leo0/s1600/IMG_8637.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>you don't miss the trees...</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Wmw323fpA/U5GbvSPI2MI/AAAAAAAADYc/KwEh7lK5rFA/s1600/IMG_8638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Wmw323fpA/U5GbvSPI2MI/AAAAAAAADYc/KwEh7lK5rFA/s1600/IMG_8638.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>and an unsightly area is now cleaned up with fresh grass.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYpoJhgPzG8/U5Gb2KF0UEI/AAAAAAAADYs/YuewhZOEVK4/s1600/IMG_8639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYpoJhgPzG8/U5Gb2KF0UEI/AAAAAAAADYs/YuewhZOEVK4/s1600/IMG_8639.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>There are still some hazards to the right of 12. &nbsp;There were two rocks (or ledge) that wouldn't budge and are in play. &nbsp;Once the sod knits in we will edge the sod next to the rocks for a cleaner look.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We have also been tweaking some areas around the course based upon the comments we heard during Bruce's visit. &nbsp;Some branches were trimmed back along the left of 12 and the naturalized area to the right of 12 was cut back so that balls hit off line will be found. &nbsp;This area tends to be a little wet and will require us to be selective when cutting but we'll do our best to keep it trimmed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKmJRvn6u_Q/U5GbzvdAmtI/AAAAAAAADYk/QeQ0xUNtUek/s1600/IMG_8640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKmJRvn6u_Q/U5GbzvdAmtI/AAAAAAAADYk/QeQ0xUNtUek/s1600/IMG_8640.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Naturalized area to right of 12 trimmed back towards 15.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/06/golf-course-update-june-6.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6799813528774911314Wed, 28 May 2014 17:47:00 +00002014-05-28T13:47:44.571-04:00Golf Course Update - May 28<div style="text-align: justify;">I apologize that it's been 20 days since I last updated the blog. &nbsp;there has been a lot happening on the golf course as we have been preparing for the season and here is a breakdown of where we stand:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li><u>Greens</u>: &nbsp;The greens have been performing as expect considering the current weather conditions. &nbsp;We are still not at our regular in-season cutting heights but I expect to get there in the next few weeks. &nbsp;We still need to lightly topdress the greens and groom them multiple times before we reach that point but we are moving in the right direction. &nbsp;In the interim we are aggressively rolling and double cutting to achieve acceptable ball roll and keeping them firm using the TDR moisture meters and hand watering. &nbsp;</li><li><u>Tees</u>: &nbsp;The tees are also doing well. &nbsp;Divots seem to be filling in nicely, even with the current wet/cold weather pattern, but the tees that were damaged this past winter are still not filling in. &nbsp;They have been aerified twice and we just need some warm weather to get the seed to pop. &nbsp;The practice tee rotation (3 days on mats, 4 days on the grass) is working out well and we are adjusting the rotation depending on the weather and the club's tournament schedule. &nbsp;Please remember the club's preferred divot pattern (see below) when practicing on the grass tee. &nbsp;<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-punb67MAQ3A/U4YXjDiL6sI/AAAAAAAADXA/Vekju0upzIM/s1600/FCC+Preferred+Divot+Pattern12X18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-punb67MAQ3A/U4YXjDiL6sI/AAAAAAAADXA/Vekju0upzIM/s1600/FCC+Preferred+Divot+Pattern12X18.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>When practicing your short game onto the chipping green we ask that you use the designated area (see Chipping Area sign).</li><li><u>Fairways</u>: &nbsp;The fairway damage was seeded last week and like the tees we are in need of some warm weather to get the seed to germinate. &nbsp;We have started using the "circle" cut to reduce some of the grain due to the half and half mowing pattern used on the course. &nbsp;</li><li><u>Rough</u>: &nbsp;One thing this weather has been good for is growing rough. &nbsp;It's pretty nasty outside the fairway, green, and approach areas and the annual bluegrass seedhead has made it especially thick. &nbsp;We are now cutting rough around fairways and greens twice each week and I hope it slows down some the next few weeks prior to our regular rough fertilizer application. &nbsp;</li><li><u>Bunkers</u>: &nbsp;Hopefully you have had the opportunity to play the course and experience your new bunkers. &nbsp;Overall I have received positive feedback on their playability. &nbsp;One issue that we have encountered is when a golf ball rolls into the bunker it sometimes lodges between the grass lip and the sand. &nbsp;We are keeping an eye on this and hope that as the sand continues to firm up this will become less of an issue. &nbsp;The sod is doing very well and has been cut three times so far this season. &nbsp;Although the sod looks good we are still asking that you refrain from walking up the grass slopes and exit the bunkers on the low side. &nbsp;We will be solid tine aerifying the sod surrounds (flat areas) in the coming weeks to provide air to the root zone especially in high traffic areas like between 1 tee and 9 green. &nbsp;Please keep an eye out for and follow cart directional signage and refrain from entering any roped areas with the carts. &nbsp;</li><li><u>Construction</u>: &nbsp;We were lucky to have Bruce come by last week to tour the course and spend some time with the membership at a meeting in the Willow Brook. &nbsp;Overall he is very pleased with the work performed by Frontier Golf, the look and playability of the bunkers and how the course presents itself after the renovation project. &nbsp;The cart path work was completed on 13 and 18, the sod work was completed on 18 and is knitting in nicely and we are trying to complete the prep work on 13 (where the pine trees were removed) so that we can bring in sod, hopefully sometime late this week or early next week. &nbsp;There is some tree removals that we are looking to complete on the 16th fairway dogleg to expose the two new fairway bunkers. &nbsp;This requires heavy machinery and we need to get out of this rainy stretch of weather prior to completing this. &nbsp;</li><li><u>Irrigation</u>: &nbsp;We are finally getting close to finishing the irrigation repair after the winter. &nbsp;It's been a struggle as the number of broken heads/pipes is greater than I have ever experienced in my years of maintaining golf courses. &nbsp;We also had some work done inside our pumping station to repair a leak and this released some rust into the lines causing heads to stick on and weep. &nbsp; Even though we still haven't gone thru a full watering cycle with all the heads on the course it's only a matter of time before it gets warm and water is needed. &nbsp;Until that time comes we'll continue to fine tune the system.</li><li><u>landscape Beds</u>: &nbsp;All of the beds around the clubhouse, Willow Brook, and pool facility have been prepped, edged, and mulched and we are now turning out efforts to the course. &nbsp;The supply, size and quality is down on plant material so we are slowly bringing in flowers as they become available. &nbsp;Lorinda is back at the club for another season and I expect you'll be thrilled with her work as we ramp up in the coming weeks.</li></ol><div>That's it for now. &nbsp;Please remember to follow my&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PJDalySuper">Twitter</a>&nbsp;feed for photos and regular updates on the course. &nbsp;</div></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/05/golf-course-update-may-28.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-1859510962435572707Thu, 08 May 2014 14:58:00 +00002014-05-08T12:28:22.988-04:00Bunker Update<div style="text-align: justify;">The bunkers on the front nine will be opening tomorrow May 9th. &nbsp;I have posted the following video about the bunkers but I will highlight a few items below.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li>You should enter and exit on the "low side" of the bunker. &nbsp;Please refrain from walking up the grass slopes. &nbsp;We will be leaving the slopes roped off as a reminder and you will also find signs asking you to exit on the low side as well. &nbsp;</li><li>Bunker rakes are being placed at the entry point so that you can carry them with you into the bunker. &nbsp;Please return them to this location after you rake your footprints.</li><li>The top 1" of sand remains soft and occasionally you will be getting a fried egg lie where you ball lands. &nbsp;As I have said in previous posts this is normal and I have been told by other Superintendents who have used this sand that it can take over a month of use before the sand completely settles. &nbsp;Initially my staff will only be raking footprints so that we do not add to this time by fluffing them up.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwLDyKA0vcahPsVAtTCq__11MxyoTVlefHLUBG_D-14ORrhbqArU704tQIQYDeFrF8csHAsEeUjGzCPojI4_Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>The greens aerification went well this year. &nbsp;They were cored and three were injected with sand on Monday. &nbsp;The remaining greens were sand injected, seeded, brushed, and fertilized on Tuesday. &nbsp;We watered in the fertilizer on Tuesday and Wednesday and they were rolled today. &nbsp;Tomorrow we will be back on our regular mow/roll schedule.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The cart paths on 13 and 18 were renovated on Tuesday as well. &nbsp;I expect to begin removing more roots from the pine tree area on 13 next week, followed by the addition of topsoil and sod. &nbsp;The area near the approach on 18 also needs topsoil and sod and we will coordinate the installation of sod when both are prepped.</div><div><br /></div><div>The guys are out adding more topsoil and seed to the rough on the left of the 5th hole. &nbsp;Please remember that carts are not allowed in the roped off area as we wait for the grass to establish. &nbsp;Cleanup continues along the tree lines as well as the installation of mulch around the clubhouse, entrances, pool area, and golf course.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoy your weekend and Happy Mother's Day!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/05/bunker-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-3330264294255943264Fri, 02 May 2014 17:03:00 +00002014-05-02T13:03:06.589-04:00May 2 Golf Course UpdateThe following is a regional update from Adam Moeller, USGA Agronomist for the Northeast Region. &nbsp;Please see a course update located at the bottom of the post.<br /><br /><br /><h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Memo W01', Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 2.7692em; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; width: 600px;">THE SILVER LINING</h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">By Adam Moeller, agronomist, Northeast Region</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">April&nbsp;29, 2014</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br /><table align="right" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 265px;"><tbody style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img border="1" src="http://www.usga.org/uploadedImages/USGAHome/course_care/regional_updates/regional_reports/northeast/Image%204%2029%202014%20resized.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></td><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="10"></td></tr><tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td class="caption" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><imagecaption>A piece of Penn A-4 creeping bentgrass sod was added to this putting green prior to winter. The dead annual bluegrass turf surrounding the healthy creeping bentgrass strip of sod is a clear indication of differences in winter tolerance between these species.</imagecaption></td><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><updatebody></updatebody></span><br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 2em; margin-top: 1.5em; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The number of golf facilities reporting winter injury on putting greens is overwhelming. Damage ranges from a few putting greens having dead turf areas the size of a pool table to courses where all 18 putting greens are greater than 75 percent dead. Winter injury is a highly complex subject. Many variables are involved which explains why some courses were more affected than others. This being said, there has been one constant attributed to the winter injury observed this year: annual bluegrass (i.e.,&nbsp;<em style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Poa annua</em>). Annual bluegrass is much more susceptible to winter injury than creeping bentgrass, and the severity of damage experienced this year has many facilities contemplating long-term conversion strategies to reduce the risk of a reoccurrence of severe winter injury. A few facilities are using the opportunity to make long-term and significant improvements in the performance and reliability of their putting greens through complete reconstruction or regrassing.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 2em; margin-top: 1.5em; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For most golf facilities, overseeding creeping bentgrass into damaged areas is the only realistic option. This will reduce the risk and/or severity of winter injury in the future, assuming a high percentage of creeping bentgrass becomes established in the damaged areas. Many courses are also evaluating the growing environments surrounding putting greens and removing trees that are having detrimental impacts via shade, tree root competition, reduced air movement or any combination thereof. After all, shaded putting greens are more susceptible to winter injury than putting greens with full sun. Winter injury is frustrating, but there is always a silver lining that can be discovered amongst the damage.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 2em; margin-top: 1.5em; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">To date, recovery at many golf courses has been moderate at best. Inconsistent air temperatures have resulted in soil temperatures below 50°F in many locations. Seedling germination is not likely unless soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F and preferably closer to 60°F. The use of covers or dark topdressing sand can aid in soil warming, but their effects have not overpowered the cool weather Mother Nature has dealt so far.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 2em; margin-top: 1.5em; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The month of May will be a turning point for recovery at most facilities. Golfer patience is key! Restricting play will yield the most positive results in recovery. Temporary greens should not be abandoned until the putting greens are fully healed. Playing on temporary greens now is a much better situation than playing on unhealed and damaged putting greens in July. Watch the USGA Green Section webcast&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fw8gJFAhAY" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #003865; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-transform: capitalize;">Assessing Winter Injury And Promoting Turf Recovery In The Northeast Region</a>for information regarding the best management practices for promoting a rapid and sustainable recovery from winter injury on putting greens. The&nbsp;<em style="font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Green Section Record</em>&nbsp;article&nbsp;<a href="http://gsr.lib.msu.edu/2000s/2004/041101.pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #003865; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-transform: capitalize;">Winter Damage</a>&nbsp;is an excellent reference for information on why putting greens experience injury and how to best limit future problems.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 2em; margin-top: 1.5em; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Source: Adam Moeller (<a href="mailto:amoeller@usga.org" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #003865; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-transform: none;">amoeller@usga.org</a>)</div></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We continue our work getting the course ready for the summer. &nbsp;It's been a slow process and the weather certainly has not cooperated. &nbsp;Like you I am tired of hearing about the weather and we have taken the approach this week of trying to control and tackle the tasks we are allowed by Mother Nature. &nbsp;Here is what we have been up to:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li>Early this week we were finally able to apply our seedhead control for annual bluegrass. &nbsp;It was a difficult task since we are not trying to regulate any areas that are slow to recover from the winter but I am happy to finally get it down. &nbsp;You may see some bronzing on the grass but this is normal for this type of application. &nbsp;</li><li>The 3rd green and damaged tees received another shot of fertilizer early this week and we will keep that green open over the weekend. &nbsp;16 is still playing from the red tees and will remain in that location until it warms enough for the seed to germinate. &nbsp;</li><li>The pine trees between 12 green and 13 tee were removed on Monday. &nbsp;The stumps were ground on Wednesday and we worked with him removing roots and stump grindings. &nbsp;There still is more work to be done but we have completed enough so far where the club's cart path company can come in (scheduled for Monday and Tuesday of next week) and do their work. &nbsp;We need to sod that area, along with some approach work on 18, after they are done with the pavement. &nbsp;Please use caution when playing 13 so that no one on 12 green get hits by a ball if you decide to cut the corner.</li><li>The greens were also sprayed with a wetting agent on Wednesday in front of the rain. &nbsp;This application will allow the water to efficiently drain thru the root zone. &nbsp;A supplemental application of micronutrients and calcium was also applied to the green surfaces to address some deficiencies that we found in our most recent soil test.</li><li>My guys completed a lot of sod work this week, including some cart path exits, drainage lines that are in play (and being cut), and other eyesores around the course. &nbsp;This is one case where we were able to take advantage of the rain.</li><li>Work continues on the irrigation system. &nbsp;The repairs were significant and my guys have been doing a great job getting the system running. &nbsp;I hope to tie up a few loose ends next week.</li><li>As you come into the club you will see that we have been installing our mulch/compost to all the landscape beds around the club house and Willow Brook. &nbsp;That task was completed yesterday in the rain and we have put out approximately 40 yards so far as we try to dress up the area around the club for Mother's Day and a wedding that is being held at the club the weekend of May 17. &nbsp;Once the club house is complete we will start our final cleanup of the pool as we prepare for it's Memorial Day opening.</li><li>Bunkers remain closed this weekend. &nbsp;We were hoping to open some this week but the slopes softened during the most recent storm. &nbsp;I am happy to report that with even over 1" of rain the bunkers didn't wash out! &nbsp;We will spend time in the bunkers next week after the greens aerification.</li><li>Carts remain on the front nine only. &nbsp;I will tour the course again at 2 p.m. today to check if we can put them on the back nine for the remainder of the day. &nbsp;Carts will be available for the weekend on both sides of the golf course. &nbsp;I would appreciate you remaining out of the roped areas and follow cart signs so that we don't spend any time with self inflicted damage. &nbsp;</li></ul><div>Looking forward the greens will be aerified and the course closed on Monday and Tuesday. &nbsp;Similar to the last few years we are using the small tines on Monday, removing plugs and applying Gypsum to address some nutrient deficiencies in the soil, followed by the DryJect sand injection, seed and a granular fertilizer application to help speed up the healing process. &nbsp;Initially the greens will be rolled until most of the sand has settled and I expect to be cutting again late next week. &nbsp;Keep your fingers crossed for some dry weather on Monday and Tuesday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your weekend.</div><br /><br /><h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Memo W01', Arial, Helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 2.7692em; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: justify; text-transform: uppercase; width: 600px;"></h1>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/05/may-2-golf-course-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-6579320506635995291Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:33:00 +00002014-04-25T07:33:03.415-04:00Upcoming Construction Update<div style="text-align: justify;">I wanted to give you a brief update on some construction that will be happening on the course in the next few weeks. &nbsp;As most of you know the club's cart paths are in serious need of repair. &nbsp;It's been years since repair work has been completed and both the Greens Committee and Board have decided to begin the reconstruction work near the 13th tee and 18th green. &nbsp;Both have been scheduled to be completed on May 6 when the course is closed for the DryJect sand injection on greens.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The work on 13 will be completed in phases. &nbsp;The first phase is removing the pine trees to the left of the cart path. &nbsp;This is planned for Monday.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnWGWBIpqXw/U1pBuW2zXRI/AAAAAAAADWQ/lFJVzDimoeI/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnWGWBIpqXw/U1pBuW2zXRI/AAAAAAAADWQ/lFJVzDimoeI/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The trees were planted a number of years ago and these removals will serve a number of purposes. &nbsp;First the roots from the pines are undermining the asphalt and as they continue to grow crack the path.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1zxGKxVb4k/U1pBvy_0kmI/AAAAAAAADWU/fcMOKtQoN9E/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1zxGKxVb4k/U1pBvy_0kmI/AAAAAAAADWU/fcMOKtQoN9E/s1600/IMG_8597.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The uneven path is causing members to drive on the 13 tee surrounds.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">These removals will also allow us to highlight the specimen tree that was pruned a number of years ago. &nbsp;It is truly a majestic tree that will stand out when you are hitting your second shot.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMUz6rD06yU/U1pBpVm6f4I/AAAAAAAADWI/NZh9xX-hgXQ/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMUz6rD06yU/U1pBpVm6f4I/AAAAAAAADWI/NZh9xX-hgXQ/s1600/IMG_8595.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The tree is located just in front of the pines to the right.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally these removals allow sun to get to the approach that was expanded this year. &nbsp;We expect to be able to keep the approach dry and firm which will allow your ball to bounce up onto the green.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUH5qIHURjo/U1pDv4kUhBI/AAAAAAAADWg/sD6QpOR773k/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUH5qIHURjo/U1pDv4kUhBI/AAAAAAAADWg/sD6QpOR773k/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rough shaved down inside the red line is the new approach cut.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the trees are removed the stumps will be ground and the roots will be removed. &nbsp;The cart path will be renovated and then topsoil will be brought in so that we can sod where the trees were once located. &nbsp;Finally a tree will be planted to protect golfers on the 12th green and stop players on 13 tee from trying to cut the corner (either over the trees at the dogleg or thru the small gap.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The work on 18 will also take place in phases and will be coordinated with the work on 13. &nbsp;The discussion about what to do with the gravel path near the 18th green has been ongoing since we first discussed the Master Plan with Bruce a few years ago. &nbsp;We looked at totally removing the path and moving carts across Parker Road earlier but this didn't work due to safety issues. &nbsp;We also looked at using gravel as a paving material again but this was not approved of due to the ongoing maintenance issues with gravel and "dusty" nature of a gravel path. &nbsp;Finally, after reviewing the area again with Bruce and hearing his design ideas for the bunker on the 18th green, the decision was made to move to asphalt. &nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVI7W1srYIE/U1pBoDo4HsI/AAAAAAAADV8/X5iAZBCARAI/s1600/IMG_7761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVI7W1srYIE/U1pBoDo4HsI/AAAAAAAADV8/X5iAZBCARAI/s1600/IMG_7761.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Piles of topsoil moved to aid in hiding the path from your third shot.</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IS3VDARtV_I/U1pBoSJbxOI/AAAAAAAADWA/ETe9FQ7waPU/s1600/IMG_7830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IS3VDARtV_I/U1pBoSJbxOI/AAAAAAAADWA/ETe9FQ7waPU/s1600/IMG_7830.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>After the bunker construction the cart path is no longer visible.</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The asphalt will be installed from the cart bridge on 18 to the road crossing (over to the Willow Brook) on Parker Road. &nbsp;We have some additional sod work that will be completed once the path is completed from the beginning of the approach to the new bunker sod. &nbsp;This installation will be coordinated with the new sod near the cart path on 13. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/04/upcoming-construction-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6061253170818784376.post-328795689837935731Wed, 23 Apr 2014 18:55:00 +00002014-04-23T14:55:04.321-04:00Golf Course Update - April 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With rain falling I have finally had the opportunity to give you an update on the course. Let's start with the course...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><u>Greens:</u> </b> The greens are looking good. We applied a fertilizer spray to push the growth on Tuesday and we have started our regular routine of cutting and rolling. We are also starting to lower our mowing heights for the season. Ballmarks continue to be an issue and I ask that you continue to look around to fix your mark and one other while playing the course. Here is a photo showing the correct way to fix a ballmark.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tr_PV2gXyI/U1gGevtmcRI/AAAAAAAADVo/Ih4e5XNZXnI/s1600/Ball+mark+repair+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6tr_PV2gXyI/U1gGevtmcRI/AAAAAAAADVo/Ih4e5XNZXnI/s1600/Ball+mark+repair+.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Please remember to push in on the ballmark. &nbsp;Do not lift up!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 3rd green was uncovered on Monday so that we could take a look at how it's recovering. Even under the cover it is still filling in and we put out an additional fertilizer application on the green along with other damaged areas around the course. We are covering it back up again tonight with temperatures forecasted in the 30's thru Friday. I would like to open it up for the weekend but will make that determination once we uncover on Friday morning.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Annual bluegrass in the collars and approaches are also slowly filling in. I expect that there is some damaged areas but I am hopeful that we will see some recovery when we finally see some warm weather come in.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please remember that we will be aerifying the greens on May 5 and 6 with the staff coring (small holes) on Monday followed by the DryJect on that Tuesday.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Tees:</u>&nbsp; The tees are also filling in nicely. &nbsp;Portions of the tees on 1, 2, 3, and 16 continue to recover from winter injury and are getting covered the next few nights. &nbsp;We will begin aerification on the tees soon after the green aerification has been completed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Fairways:</u>&nbsp; The same can be said for the fairways. &nbsp;Again we are waiting for some warm weather to get them to fill in. &nbsp;Unfortunately many of these shade areas are too large to cover so we are in a holding pattern for now. &nbsp;Please follow cart signs when you use carts and remain off areas that are discolored when you play.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Rough:</u>&nbsp; The rough is starting to green up and grow. &nbsp;The rough area to the left of 5 has been roped off and carts are not allowed to enter that area for the season. &nbsp;We will be out soon adding any topsoil that was washed out over the winter and reseeding. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Irrigation System:</u>&nbsp; We are continuing the repair of the irritation (sorry...I meant irrigation) system. &nbsp;We had our pumping station vendor in on Monday welding a few leaks. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Course Cleanup:</u>&nbsp; Our staff has been out continuing course cleanup. &nbsp;Greens and tees have been cleaned twice (necessary with some of the windy conditions we have experienced) and we are now working along stone walls and tree lines.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Bunkers:</u>&nbsp; Sod continues to knit in nicely and the grass is beginning to green up. &nbsp;I appreciate all the members staying off the faces and using the ball retrievers to remove their golf ball if/when they hit a wayward shot. &nbsp;As I have said in previous posts I am hoping that we can begin opening them soon and we will open them in the order that they were constructed. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Misc:</u>&nbsp; Water coolers have been installed and we are awaiting the arrival of the portable restrooms. &nbsp;Unfortunately our access road on 3 needs to be inspected by the restroom company prior to the installation (it is a gravel road that washes out during the winter and any large rain event). &nbsp;Fencing has been ordered for the restroom location on 3 and should be delivered by the end of the week for my staff to instal.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't stress enough how the cool weather has been influencing the current conditions on the course. &nbsp;Keep in mind that overall temperatures average out and I expect this summer to be a very warm, enjoyable one. &nbsp;All we need now is to fast forward to it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>http://fccgrounds.blogspot.com/2014/04/golf-course-update-april-23.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Patrick Daly, CGCS)0